Dan Burn on Newcastle’s Reaction to Isak-Liverpool Saga

Dan Burn has explained how he and his Newcastle teammates have reacted to Alexander Isak’s ongoing transfer saga.

Isak, 25, was left out of Newcastle’s match-day squad for the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, with Eddie Howe opting for Anthony Gordon as his number nine.

This comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Sweden international’s future as he continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool, after the Reds saw a £110m plus add-ons bid rejected by the Magpies earlier this month.

Almost obviously, Howe was asked about the situation live on TNT Sports ahead of his side’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

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Howe said: "No different to how it has been for a number of weeks. We are without him [Alexander Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us.

"Now is not the time to discuss that (whether he feels let down). All my emotions are towards this game. This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included."

Alexander Isak could leave Newcastle for Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

On Friday, Howe admitted that all possibilities were still in play regarding Isak’s future, and he did not rule out the forward potentially staying.

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During the game, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer slammed Isak and described his latest actions as “not the right way” of doing things.

Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live: “So, where's the loyalty there? I get clubs and football players; there is no loyalty, clubs look after themselves, and players look after themselves, but there's a way of doing things. The way that Alex [Isak] is doing this at the moment is not the right way.”

But what do the Newcastle dressing room feel about the ongoing saga?

Dan Burn in action for Newcastle against Aston Villa (Credit:Getty)

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Well, ahead of the clash against Villa, Newcastle defender Burn gave his thoughts.

When asked if the situation had brought the squad together, he told TNT Sports: “I think so. I think there's obviously a lot of external noise. We've got quite a tight-knit group, and we just get on with it.

“I think we've now been about four or five weeks without Alex [Isak], so for us, he's obviously not involved at the moment.

“But we've got players who need to step up and contribute to the goals and we're ready to go.”

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