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.

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It is clear Villa need quality reinforcements - they are without former loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio and are about to sell Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £40m - but financial restrictions have ruled Villa's summer transfer spend.

Aston Villa host Newcastle United on August 16 in their opening Premier League fixture. Transfer intrigue is dominating the build-up.