Latest Liverpool transfer news as Dan Burn speaks out about Alexander Isak amid a tense ongoing saga
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad for their game against Aston Villa on Saturday
(Image: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has revealed the team's feelings toward Alexander Isak and coping in his absence. Amid Liverpool transfer interest, the striker was not named in the Magpies' squad to take on Aston Villa.
Newcastle's summer has been dominated by transfer talk about Isak. The 25-year-old was absent from the pre-season schedule because of a thigh injury at first, though it would later emerge that he wishes to leave St. James' Park three years into a six-year contract.
Liverpool tested the waters with a £110 million offer earlier this month but this was rejected. As reported by the ECHO, as things stand there is no second offer in the pipeline.
While the situation remains unresolved, Isak is in exile from Eddie Howe's team training sessions and won't be considered for match selection.
Burn was asked for comment on his side's summer preparations appearing on TNT Sports before kick-off at Villa Park.
Content Image
Content Image
"There's been a lot of external noise around us this year. We've just spoken there, we're starting from zero again, we've got a lot to prove and ready to go," the 33-year-old responded.
Former Liverpool striker-turned-pundit Peter Crouch then followed up, questioning if everything that has happened involving Isak has brought the Newcastle squad together.
"I think so," Burn said. "I think it's a lot of external noise but we're quite a tight knit group and we just get on with it.
"We've been four, five weeks without Alex so for us it's that he's not involved at the moment but we've got the players to step up and contribute with the goals."
Starting in attack in Isak's place are Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon. The latter, who was heavily linked with Liverpool in summer 2024, has moved from his natural left-wing spot into the centre forward's role in Howe's line-up.
Burn suggests these players can help Newcastle maintain their goal scoring levels without Isak while the club also try to sign at least two more attackers before they would consider changing their not-for-sale stance over Isak. A chain reaction could begin to take effect soon as Bournemouth have agreed to seel Dango Outtara to Brentford, who in turn could sell Yoane Wissa to the Magpies.
Otherwise Howe believes it is still possible to reintegrate Isak, telling The Chronicle: "Yes, I believe there is [a way].
"You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me that (him training alone) is an unfortunate situation.
"Me and Alex have enjoyed a great relationship and I don't think he'd have done as well as he's done without that, and without his teammates and the supporters and the backing of the whole football club,
"He recognises that as well. He's a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn't have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle.
"This is a different moment for him and us and we're working through that together."
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.