Alexander Isak goes on STRIKE! Newcastle striker refuses to play for Magpies in first game of Premier League season against Aston Villa amid ongoing Liverpool pursuit

According to the Daily Mail, Isak, 25, has made himself unavailable for the Magpies' trip to Villa Park on Saturday as the saga surrounding his future looks set to continue. The Sweden international had already told Newcastle he does not wish to play for them again after Liverpool had an initial £110 million ($149m) offer rejected by the St. James' Park club, who insist their star man is not for sale.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will test Newcastle's resolve with a fresh offer for Isak, who scored 27 goals in all competitions as the Toon lifted the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League in 2024-25.

Newcastle have failed to land several replacements for Isak in what has been a challenging summer for the club. Eddie Howe's men made attempts to sign Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko but lost out to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United respectively, while a £25m bid to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was also rejected.

Winger Anthony Gordon is now likely to start as makeshift striker when Newcastle take on Villa on Saturday, whereas Liverpool get their Premier League campaign under way against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday.