9 hours ago
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Anthony Gordon has cautioned Liverpool to brace itself for a hostile reception when it visits Newcastle in its upcoming fixture. The two sides have been locked in a protracted transfer battle over Alexander Isak, who is keen to depart the Magpies for Anfield.
He was absent from Newcastle's scoreless stalemate with Aston Villa, having been frozen out of the first-team setup. Liverpool initially made contact with Newcastle to gauge interest before lodging a formal offer earlier this month.
A bid worth approximately $150 million (£110 million) was submitted but the Tyneside outfit swiftly rejected Liverpool's overtures. Whether Liverpool will return with an improved proposal before the transfer window shuts remains uncertain.
The Reds will make the journey to St James' Park to take on Newcastle in their next outing and Gordon expects the visitors could face a 'wild' reception with the Isak situation still unresolved.
Speaking to TNT Sports following Saturday's stalemate with Villa, he remarked: "With everything that has gone on, surely the atmosphere is going to be a bit wild. I'm just excited to see the home fans again, get back in the stadium and it's going to be a top game."
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed before kick-off that Isak's circumstances remained unchanged, with the forward not anticipated to feature for the Magpies in the immediate future.
"No different to how its been for a number of weeks, really," said Howe. "He's not here today, we're without him, and we're adapting to that and still trying to be competitive."
"No different to how its been for a number of weeks, really," said Howe. "He's not here today, we're without him, and we're adapting to that and still trying to be competitive."
Gordon was selected to spearhead Newcastle's attack as their sole striker whilst Isak remains absent, continuing to train separately from the main group.
"We believe in the team that we picked today and we believe in all the players we have in our squad," Howe continued. "There's been distractions during pre-season but that's all been for me, not so much the players."
When questioned whether he felt disappointed by the Isak situation, he responded: "I don't think now's the time to discuss that, we're about to play a game. All my emotions are towards this game and making sure we're competitive, driven, motivated.
"This is a tough place to come if you're one or two per cent down. We've got to be there mentally today, me included, the whole coaching staff. There's no feeling of anything other than wanting to give our best today."
Newcastle are reportedly valuing Isak at approximately £150m, with Liverpool's opening offer falling well below that amount. There remains sufficient time for the Reds to submit an enhanced proposal before the summer transfer window closes.
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