Newcastle United star Dan Burn branded Alexander Isak as one of the best strikers "in the world" before quipping he hoped he doesn't do "too well" between now and deadline day.

Of course, Newcastle have already slapped a "not for sale" tag on Sweden star Isak and the United ace has stated to team-mates he is happy with life on Tyneside. Burn was speaking directly after Isak's two goal blast in the 3-1 win at Southampton which took his tally to 19 for the season in all competitions.

At 32, Burn knows how football can change quickly and as a Newcastle fan has lived through transfer ordeals such as Andy Carroll and Yohan Cabaye being sold at the last minute. But spoke about Isak's happiness at St James' Park.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford's Man Utd bust-up could hold key to late Newcastle transfer twist

READ MORE: Michael Oliver Newcastle 'conspiracy' rubbished as threats made to Geordie after Arsenal call

Burn told Chronicle Live: "Listen, he's on fire at the minute. He's probably one of the best strikers in the world at the minute.

"I think he's got a bit of everything. I hope he keeps doing well, but just not too well!"

Newcastle chiefs are confident that they can steer past the winter trading period with a week to get business done for clubs. Arsenal have been linked constantly in this window, but for all the talk and speculation, not one concrete enquiry, let alone bid, has landed on sporting director Paul Mitchell's desk.

As reported by Chronicle Live on Sunday the only conversation between Newcastle and Isak occurred in June when Chelsea tried their luck with a cheeky bid during United's struggle switch PSR when Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were eventually sold reluctantly.

But Isak is central to everything at Newcastle and Burn's biggest issue is how to stop him in training. When asked about his day to day dealings with the Premier League hotshot, Burn said: "It's hard. It's hard to defend just the way he moves.

"The way he can move his feet. His top half doesn't really move, so it's hard to read what he's going to do. But yes, most of the time I like being on his team."