Newcastle United have seen a number of players turn down moves to the club this summer, and Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand cannot understand why the club have been snubbed so often

The summer has been dominated by the transfer window, and with more than two weeks to go until it closes on September 1, that's not likely to change even with the return of the action on the pitch. Newcastle remain embroiled in a messy situation over Alexander Isak's future, with the Swedish striker unavailable for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

Newcastle remain in the market for another striker amid Alexander Isak's situation and desire to leave the club this month. But signing an elite centre-forward is easier said than done, as Newcastle have discovered this summer. "It seems like the striker market every year gets tighter and tighter," said Howe.