Alexander Isak's future has been a huge distraction for Newcastle this summer, and while the team performed well, his absence was costly at Aston Villa.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said it was up to other people at the club as to whether wantaway forward Alexander Isak would be fined.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits Alexander Isak's situation threatens to become a "distraction". Isak missed yesterday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa as he attempts to force through a move to Liverpool.

The longer Eddie Howe spent agonising over whether to take the Celtic job in the spring of 2021, the harder it became to imagine him enjoying the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Glasgow football ...