Dan Burn admits the Newcastle players can “only control what we can control” after striker Alexander Isak asked to explore a move away from St James’ Park.

Isak was not part of the squad that landed in Singapore this morning with the club yesterday citing a minor thigh injury for his absence.

However, reports subsequently emerged that the Sweden international was considering his future, leaving Newcastle with a major conundrum to solve not long before the start of the new season.

Liverpool hover as Isak weighs up options

Liverpool are known to be long-time admirers of the 25-year-old while clubs in Saudi Arabia are also believed to be monitoring Isak’s status on Tyneside.

It left the squad short of their talisman as they arrived in the Far East and experienced defender Burn conceded it was not an ideal situation.

He told Sky Sports News: “If we lost any player it would upset a tight-knit group that’s been together for two or three years now.

“Obviously any player that leaves, it doesn’t help, but from our point of view [we have to] just control what we can control.

“At the moment we’re looking forward to getting Alex back when he’s fit.”

Transfer may help Newcastle strengthen

Newcastle are under no financial pressure to sell, and Isak’s departure would free up funds for several big-money acquisitions.

The former Real Sociedad striker scored 23 goals last season and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes hopes Isak remains at the club.

Guimaraes said: “We want to keep our best players. [Isak] is not here because he’s having treatment in Newcastle.

“He is a top striker, his [record over the] last three seasons speaks for itself, he’s a top player. But as far as I know he just stayed there because of his injury, his treatment with the club.”