No Isak, no idea as Howe urged to get the chequebook out

IF Newcastle needed a reminder as to how important Alexander Isak is to them, yesterday provided the perfect wake-up call.

- ALAN SMITH

The Swede has gone AWOL, refusing to play for the Toon, following transfer interest from Liverpool.

But a goalless draw at Villa Park was missing the finishing touch of a prolific centre-forward for Eddie Howe.

Anthonys Gordon and Elanga were denied by Villa's debut goalkeeper Marco Bizot, while several other solid chances zipped high and wide.

Howe has remained adamant he wants Isak (right) to stay, and is keen for the striker to return.

The manager believes there could still be a way back for Isak at St James' Park despite fans expressing their disappointment in the forward.

But as a quiet summer in terms of incomings winds down, Newcastle remain frustrated by the same spending regulations that have slowed Villa's ascent.