Dan Burn Exclusive: ‘Newcastle stars upset’ as Alexander Isak bombshell wreaks havoc
Dan Burn has revealed Newcastle United stars would be “upset” if Alexander Isak quits in the final weeks of the summer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider in Singapore after Newcastle’s squad arrived for their pre-season tour of Asia, the 33-year-old confessed Isak is a “big player” in the team and losing him would be a shattering blow.
Isak, 25, has not travelled with the rest of Eddie Howe’s squad and has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move amid strong Liverpool and Saudi Arabian interest.
The forward picked up a thigh strain during the squad’s early pre-season training camp in Austria, before missing out on their 4-0 defeat to Celtic on 19 July.
It has since been revealed that Isak asked not to be included in the squad for the pre-season tour as he wants to leave St James’ Park this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Isak could force a move away from Newcastle as Liverpool may be tempted to step up their interest should he push for a way out.
Arne Slot’s side recently completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt, but there remains a belief that they want to add alternative options up front.
Dan Burn shares Newcastle dressing room latest on Alexander Isak move
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Newcastle believe Liverpool have tried to unsettle Isak by making their interest public in the last couple of weeks.
Newcastle’s stance has always been that the Sweden international is not for sale this summer and remains a key part of Howe’s plans, but keeping him is proving difficult.
Burn explained to Football Insider in Singapore that he is hopeful his teammate will be “back soon” when he returns to full fitness, but confessed losing a key player would “upset” the squad.
“He hasn’t trained in the last few days when we’ve been at home as well,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s been struggling a little bit with a thigh strain he picked up while we were in Austria.
“Obviously, he’s a big player for us, but we’ve got quality all over the field.
“Hopefully he’ll be back training soon.
“I think if we lost any player it would upset us, we’re a tight-knit group that’s been together for two or three years now, so any player that leaves it doesn’t help.
“From our point of view, we’re trying to control what we can control.
“Obviously, we’re looking forward to getting Alex back when he’s fit.”
Eddie Howe in talks over two new transfers after deals hijacked
While speculation continues surrounding Isak’s future and potential destinations, Newcastle remain keen to strengthen Howe’s squad with new incoming signings.
Football Insider revealed on 22 July that Newcastle are working on two new signings and have held talks over deals for a new goalkeeper and centre-forward.
This comes as they have missed out on a number of key targets including the likes of Ekitike, Joao Pedro and potentially James Trafford amid interest from Man City.
Football Insider revealed on 21 July that Trafford is very keen to join City if they can complete a hijacking of the Magpies’ summer transfer plan.
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