Eddie Howe insists that Newcastle United must forget Alexander Isak while he's training away from his squad.

"We do [have to forget about Isak] - he's not here with us," Howe explained.

"We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he's not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability."

He added: "I want him to play. I want him to train. I've had those conversations [with Isak], but the details of those will remain private.

"There is no change to the situation. All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in - that is all-consuming for me. Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case."