Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak won't be selected in his squad to face Aston Villa on Saturday. The Swedish striker has been training away from the first team after expressing his desire to leave the club amid interest from Liverpool.

Isak, 25, is reportedly adamant he won't play for Newcastle again. That's despire being contracted until 2028 and the Reds seemingly reluctant to meet their rivals' £150million valuation. Howe has now resisted any temptation to try and reintegrate him at Villa Park for tomorrow's 12.30pm kick-off.

In his pre-match press conference, Howe was asked if there had been any developments with the player's current stance. He replied: "There has been no change. All my focus is on Aston Villa tomorrow. Isak's situation has been clear for a while and that will continue to be the case."

Howe also implied he remained in talks with his key man over a potential return, adding: "I've had a great relationship with him, you need that partnership with every player. I have to work really closely with the player for his benefit, to try and improve them. 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. I want him to play, to train, but details of our conversations remain private."

Meanwhile, having missed out on a number of targets, the Magpies continue to pursue Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. He's been perceived as a potential replacement for Isak, but Howe argued that was not the case.

"We need a striker irrespective of the Isak situation," he said, also labelling the transfer market "as tight as I've ever known." He was however, positive over the deal with Villa for Jacob Ramsey, despite admitting the midfielder is unlikely to feature against his old club even if a deal is completed in time.

"I am really pleased, it has been a slow burner this summer," added Howe. "We tried to be active early, that didn't happen. Then you're trying to turn things in a positive way."