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

Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League

Alexander Isak is refusing to play in Newcastle United's Premier League opener against Aston Villa amid his desperation to join Liverpool this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

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.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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 Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League in 2024-25.

DID YOU KNOW?

Newcastle have failed to land several replacements for Isak in what has been a torturous summer for the club. Eddie Howe's men made earlier attempts to sign Joao Pedro and Liam Delap but lost out to Chelsea on both occasions, while a £25m bid to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was also rejected.

Newcastle United v Atletico Madrid - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR ISAK, NEWCASTLE AND LIVERPOOL?

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.