7 months ago
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Dan Burn says Alexander Isak has ‘got everything’ and believes it’s ‘important’ that Newcastle manage to keep hold of the striker beyond the summer.
Isak is Newcastle’s top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions this season and is in the running for the Golden Boot, with only Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke bettering his tally in the Premier League.
But speculation has been mounting that Isak could be set for the exit door at St James’ Park amid strong interest from Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window.
Eddie Howe has repeatedly insisted that Isak is not for sale and reports this week claim the club are preparing to offer the Swede a new and improved contract to prevent his head from being turned.
The former Real Sociedad has over four years remaining on his current deal in the north east and it’s understood it would take a bid in excess of £100million to convince the Magpies to part with their star man.
Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Crystal Palace, Burn underlined Isak’s importance to the side, while admitting his team-mate had the quality to go on and play for the world’s ‘top, top teams’.
Asked if he is hoping Isak stays put, the Newcastle defender replied: ‘Yeah, ideally I’d love to keep him!
‘I think Alex has been brilliant. He did score a few goals when he first came and it took him a while to build relationships with team-mates and get used to the way that we want to play and what’s expected of him.
‘But he’s got everything, Alex. He’s got that real quality and he could go on to play for top, top teams.
‘I think it is important that we keep hold of our best players and Alex is definitely one of them.’
According to Burn, Isak is as ‘laid back’ in the Newcastle dressing room as he has appeared on the pitch this season.
‘He’s funny. He’s a really funny guys actually, always joking around,’ he added.
‘He’s been learning Geordie so next time you speak to him ask him for a bit of Geordie!
‘He’s just a really relaxed guy. The way that he is on the pitch, he’s also like that off the pitch. He’s just so laid back and it’s really good to have him.’
Isak’s future could hinge on whether or not the Toon secure European football for next season and Burn remains confident, with the club sitting in sixth ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park.
‘I think we’re in a good position. I think that’s where this club needs to be, top end of the table and competing for European places regularly. That’s the aim,’ he continued.
‘It’s been such a long time since we’ve won anything here and it should be a real aim with the team we’ve got and the squad we’re building.
‘It would be a shame if we couldn’t do that.’
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