With Liverpool heading to St James’ Park next to face Newcastle, Anthony Gordon was warned to expect a “wild” atmosphere amid their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
Isak was not involved as Newcastle began their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa and certainly will not play for them against Liverpool next Monday night.
That comes with the striker making clear he no longer wishes to play for Eddie Howe’s side as he looks to force a move to Anfield.
For their part, Liverpool are simply awaiting the green light to make another bid for the Swede, with Newcastle needing to line up at least one replacement – likely Brentford‘s Yoane Wissa – before they will permit a British record transfer.
But while the relationship may be strong at boardroom level, the situation has sparked fury among Newcastle supporters.
And speaking to TNT Sports after the stalemate at Villa Park, Gordon – who is playing centre-forward in Isak’s absence – said he expects a “wild” atmosphere.
“I think with everything that’s gone, I’m sure the atmosphere’s going to be a bit wild,” the former Everton forward explained.
“I’m just excited to see the home fans again, get back in the stadium. It’s going to be a top game.”
The wheels may now be in motion for a deal to be brokered, with the first domino falling as Brentford confirmed the £42.5 million signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth on Saturday.
Brentford are now likely to agree terms with Newcastle for the sale of Wissa, which could then make Isak available to Liverpool.
While it has been maintained that Wissa would be a replacement for the departed Callum Wilson, the Mail‘s Craig Hope has since suggested Howe could push through with him and Gordon as his two strikers until January.
Newcastle remain interested in a number of other centre-forwards, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos, Wolves‘ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Alexander Isak scores vs. Sunderland in FA Cup. January 2024 (Owen Humphreys/PA)
But regardless of their plans to replace him, they are not expected to sanction a move for Isak until after the visit of Liverpool to St James’ Park.
“It has been difficult, because we’re such a tight-knit group,” Gordon reflected in his interview with TNT Sports.
“We’ve never had any problems publicly, and that being the first thing that’s happened, it’s tested us.
“But you’ve seen today, we’ve still got that spirit, we’ve still got that togetherness. We work on it every day, it’s never going to go regardless of individuals.
“We’re a top group, our togetherness is top and it always will be.”