Transfer news: Burn and Guimarães hope Isak chooses to stay at Newcastle

The Swedish international didn't travel with the squad for their preseason tour of Asia, with the club stating a minor thigh injury as the reason.

Reports surfaced hours later suggesting Isak, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, told club officials he wanted to explore a potential departure from St. James' Park.

Speaking from Singapore ahead of Newcastle's match against Arsenal on Sunday, Burn told Sky Sports News, "Losing any player would be disruptive to this tight-knit group that's been together for two or three years now.

"Anyone leaving would be a problem, but from our point of view, we just have to control what we can control. Right now, we're looking forward to Alex getting back when he's fit."

Guimarães added, "We want to keep our best players. Isak isn't here because he's undergoing treatment at the club. He's a top striker, his performances over the last three seasons speak for themselves. But as far as I know, he just stayed back because of the injury."

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said the club made themselves look "ridiculous" by citing injury as the reason for Isak's absence.

Newcastle has yet to comment on the reports that Isak has requested a move. The Swedish international scored 23 goals for the Magpies last season and still has three years remaining on his current contract.