Greg . 2 days ago

Eddie Howe confirms Malick Thiaw will be in Newcastle squad, Alexander Isak missing

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed new signing Malick Thiaw is in his squad for the trip to Aston Villa.

Ahead of Newcastle's Premier League opener at Villa this weekend, Howe revealed their defensive signing from AC Milan will make their Premier League opener.

At his preview this morning, Howe began: "Great to be back.

You look through the summer and think it's gonna be a long break but it flashes by.

A lot has happened.

"We've been busy and active.

We're pleased to be here.

"On Thiaw, he said: "Malick will be part of the squad.

He's trained for two days.

It's never easy coming in at the end of pre-season when our work is almost done but in the little bits we've seen, we've acquired a top quality player.

"Asked for his impression of going to Villa for their Prem opener, Howe concedes it will be a major early test.

"You look at the first few on the calendar and they are tough games for us.

We know the quality of the opposition.

We have had some really tough battles against them, it is going to be a really tight game but one we hope we can do well in.

"Progression, improvement, more control in our performances, more dominant displays.

We want to score goals and to attack.

The league is so hard, the challenges are difficult.

I feel we will be stronger when we have our full compliment of players.

We need to find ways to win games when we are not playing our best.

"Jacob Ramsey closeHowe confirmed Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is nearing signing.

The youngster is on Tyneside this morning for a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a Toon contract.

Howe refused to say it was a "done deal", so not to "jinx it", but did confirm Ramsey is "in the building".

The manager, however, ruled out Ramsey for their trip to Villa.

Isak situationHowe was asked for an development on wantaway star striker Alexander Isak.

The Swede is demanding he be sold to Liverpool, though Newcastle are insisting he won't leave for less than £150m.

 For the moment, Howe has ordered Isak train away from the rest of his squad to maintain morale.

He continued: "No change this week.

All my focus has been on training, Villa, and on the transfer front in terms of trying to get players in.

 "I've had a great relationship with Alex.

You need that with every player.

I take my part in that relationship really importantly.

I have to work really closely with the player to his benefit.

"On if the controversy has brought the players even closer together, Howe said: "Sometimes these things can have that effect.

I think we were really close anyway.

I don't know if I can say it's brought us closer together.

But sometimes these things can unify the group.

"Without Alex, everyone is going to have to step up and give more.

"Asked if Isak will be a Newcastle player next month, Howe replied: "At the moment I would say yes but I've had no change of feeling throughout the summer.

He's contracted to us but it's out of my hands.

"More signings neededHowe was also asked about their plans for the remainder of the summer market.

Newcastle have had a quiet campaign thus far and Howe says work is ongoing to bring in more much-needed additions.

"We are still active in the window," he said.

"We want to add one or two more players.

Quality over quantity.

We don't want to do too much more.

We are strong in certain areas of the squad.

 "It's a small field.

The centre-forward market this year is as tight as I've ever known it.

But we're still actively looking and I think there is someone there to meet our requirements.

"