Ed admits rebel Isak is calling shots at Toon now

WANTAWAY striker Alexander Isak has refused to end his Newcastle standoff by playing at Aston Villa today.

- By Ian Murtagh

Head coach Eddie Howe has tried to keep an open dialogue with the unsettled Swede.

He asked Isak, right, to make himself available for the opening game of the season.

Howe said: “I’ve said many times I want him to train and play.

“I’ve had those conversations with him but the details need to remain private.”

What is clear is that Isak has effectively gone on strike to force a move to Liverpool.

Last week Howe was ambiguous when answering questions about who had decided the 25-year-old would train alone, saying: “I want players who really want to play for this club.”