Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes are hopeful Alexander Isak will decide to stay with them at Newcastle despite reports he has asked to consider a move.
The Sweden international has been ruled out of the Magpies' pre-season tour of Asia with a minor thigh injury, the club said.
Hours later, reports emerged that Isak, who has been linked with a pricey move to Liverpool, had told the club he would like to consider a move away from St James' Park.
Speaking from Singapore ahead of Newcastle's match against Arsenal on Sunday, Byrne told Sky Sports News: “If we lose one player it will upset a close-knit group that has been together for two or three years.
“Of course, any player leaving won’t do any good, but from our point of view (we have to) just control what we can control.
“We are now looking forward to Alex's return when he is fit.”
Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes added: “We want to keep our best players. (Isak) is missing because he is undergoing treatment in Newcastle.”
“He is a top striker, his results over the last three seasons speak for themselves, he is a top player. But as far as I know, he only stayed there because of an injury and treatment at the club.”
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has said the club have made themselves look 'ridiculous' by citing injury as the reason for Isak's absence.
The club has yet to comment on reports that Isak has asked to leave.
Isak scored 23 goals for Newcastle last season and has three years left on his current contract.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
