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Eddie Howe has offered the latest update on Alexander Isak’s status ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Isak appears determined to leave The Magpies this summer.

While he has not submitted a formal transfer request, he reportedly does not intend to play for Eddie Howe’s side again.

The 25-year-old missed the entirety of pre-season, initially due to a thigh injury, and Howe has confirmed he will not be considered for selection for this weekend’s game against Villa.

Newcastle rejected a British-record £110million offer from reigning champions Liverpool almost two weeks ago.

Speaking on the situation, Howe admitted that the Isak saga has not been healthy for the club, but stressed that there is a strong desire within the squad to start the season positively.

Howe the BBC: “I don’t think it’s been healthy for us.

“I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge.

“Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best.

To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.

“I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season?

There was nothing I could do to affect that – it was always going to be there.

“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react.

“But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation

That’s always been my train of thought.

“Whatever situation you’re in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control.

“We have moved forward and I’ve got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks.”

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