'Glad it's done' - Newcastle defender Dan Burn speaks out on Alexander Isak transfer saga and defends 'protective' Magpies for reaction to striker's departure

Dan Burn's ex-team mate Alexander Isak was at the centre of the most high-profile transfer saga of the summer, and the England centre-back has revealed he's delighted it has finally been resolved. Liverpool's initial £110 million ($149m) offer was declined by Newcastle and there followed a very uneasy stand-off, spiteful public messages, strike threats and, finally, a satisfactory resolution. But the Reds stumped up £125m ($169m) and finally landed their man on transfer deadline day.

Newcastle invested a significant chunk of the money they received from the Isak deal on Nick Woltemade for £69 million ($93) from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa joined in a deal worth £55 million ($74m) from Brentford. 

Burns said: "I am glad it is done. We wanted the transfer window closed to have a bit of clarity on it. I have been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they have got things they want to achieve. Alex is a mate and it is a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him what he needs to do personally. I have nothing but good wishes for Alex. No animosity. As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and city and we want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle and you don't want them to naively think that there is anyone else to go apart from Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated. I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously."

Burn faces stiff competition for his place in the England team in the forthcoming qualifiers. The Newcastle star admits he will have to battle Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for a place in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI.