Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said there has been "no change" on Alexander Isak 's situation at the club with the striker unlikely to be in the squad for Saturday's Premier League opener against Aston Villa .

"There has been no change. All my focus is on Aston Villa tomorrow," Howe told reporters on Friday. "Isak's situation has been clear for a while and that will continue to be the case.

"I always want to be there for him. I don't think Isak would have done as well without that, his team mates, the supporters -- he recognises that, he's an intelligent person."

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