'We'd be upset' - Dan Burn latest Newcastle star to plead for wantaway striker Alexander Isak to stay amid interest from Liverpool

Notably absent from Newcastle’s current preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea, Isak's absence has officially been attributed to a “minor thigh issue” by the club. However, reports have revealed that there may be more to the story.

The Swedish international was also left out of the squad for a friendly fixture against Celtic, with insiders suggesting that head coach Eddie Howe opted to leave him out due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the player's future. It’s understood that Isak himself has put in a transfer request amid heightened interest from Liverpool.

Upon arriving with the team for their international tour, Dan Burn addressed the swirling speculation surrounding his teammate and revealed that any departure, particularly that of a key figure like Isak, would be felt deeply.

"If we lost any player it would upset our tight-knit group that's been together for two or three years now," the England international said. "Any player that leaves, it doesn't help but from our point of view we're just going to control what we can control.

"We're looking forward to getting Alex back when he's fit. It's a question for Alex to answer. He's obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well. Bringing Anthony [Elanga] in as well, which I think was a great signing."

Liverpool have been aggressive in the current transfer market, already securing key talents such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike. However, with the potential for a forward line and questions over Darwin Nunez’s and Luis Diaz's long-term role, the Merseyside club is believed to be prioritising a proven goalscorer. The proposed £150m fee would make Isak the most expensive player in Premier League history, and would test Newcastle’s resolve to keep their top scorer.