Overview

• Alexander Isak will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa after manager Eddie Howe confirmed no change in his availability.
• Isak has been training separately from the first team since submitting a transfer request and expressing a desire to explore other options this summer.
• Liverpool’s reported £110–120 million offer failed to meet Newcastle’s asking price, which remains around £150 million.
• The club is pursuing reinforcements to offset Isak’s absence, with midfielder Jacob Ramsey nearing a move but not set to play in the season opener.
• Howe said the squad struggled in early preseason without his top scorer and must now step up in response to his continuing absence.