Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted want-away striker Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature in the opening game of the Premier League season at Aston Villa. Loading audio...

The 25-year-old Sweden international was not involved in Friday night’s 2-2 Sela Cup draw with Espanyol at St James’ Park, and he will not figure when Howe sends out his side against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Howe revealed that talks with Isak, the subject of a rejected £110million bid from Liverpool, are ongoing, but he does not expect any resolution before the season’s opener.

The Magpies’ head coach said: "I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us – let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome.

But I

See Full Page