The Sweden international missed the Magpies preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea due to 'minor thigh injury' which later transpired to confirmation of him asking to be left out. Isak has told Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer'.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits that he is facing a race against time to get a new striker in the door in time for the season's opener at Aston Villa. The Magpies have just 11 days left to land a goalscorer for their clash at Villa Park after moves to sign Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike failed.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has had to address the attitude of Alexander Isak after the club embarked on their pre-season tour without him as he readies to return to training