As is the custom with pre-season football, the on-pitch product provides the sub plot to Newcastle and Arsenal’s fixture this afternoon. Both sides are playing their second games of their tours of Asia in Singapore’s National Stadium, but both sides have been busiest off the pitch with contrasting fortunes.

Howe has picked a strong team to face the Gunners with team captain Bruno Guimaraes alongside Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock in midfield. There’s a first start for new signing Anthony Elanga, whilst Alex Murphy gets an opportunity to impress from the off at left-back.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs striking major deals as the summer transfer window nears its final month.Liverpool have signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal having beaten off interest from Newcastle to secure his signature.

Viktor Gyokeres' transfer to Arsenal is expected to be completed this weekend, with the striker due to have his medical - but Alexander Isak saga looks set to rumble on

Newcastle United face Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium tomorrow and both Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta have a number of injury concerns to deal with.

Eddie Howe has reiterated he is keen to keep Alexander Isak at Newcastle, but has now admitted he cannot guarantee the striker will stay this summer.Isak has not joined Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to what the club described as a minor thigh injury.

SPORT.com has all the latest news, updates, views and reaction from around the footballing world. Alexander Isak has shocked Newcastle United by informing the club he wants to explore a move

According to reports, Alexander Isak has received a 'whopping offer' to leave Newcastle United amid interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool.