Eddie Howe says he wants Alexander Isak to play for Newcastle when the Premier League season starts next weekend, but after talks with the striker it is clear that cannot happen.
The Swede is currently trying to force a move to Liverpool and is training alone. He missed the recent Far East tour after reporting a thigh injury.
Howe says Isak is fit, but there is no chance of him rejoining his team-mates in training or featuring at Aston Villa next Saturday, as it stands.
‘We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group,’ said Howe.