Simon Jordan shocked that ‘extraordinary’ player is still at Newcastle United

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Newcastle United fought off interest from Premier League rivals for three of their best players this summer.

The Tyneside club were offered eye-watering money but rejected all offers to keep Eddie Howe‘s squad together.

Bruno Guimaraes was subject to interest from Manchester City with the reigning champions considering whether to pay his £100million release clause.

However, the Brazilian stayed put at St James’ Park and his loyalty has been rewarded with the captain’s armband.

Newcastle United also had to fend off interest in Anthony Gordon from Liverpool with the Reds looking to bring the 23-year-old back to Merseyside.

Alexander Isak was wanted by Arsenal, but Newcastle did not bow down to any of the ‘Big Six’ clubs that were looking to poach their brightest stars.

Simon Jordan shocked Newcastle star stayed

Newcastle could have cashed in on one of their stars to inflate their own transfer budget, but they instead chose to keep the core of their team intact.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Simon Jordan admitted that he was surprised that Newcastle managed to keep hold of Alexander Isak.

“I’m surprised that Isak is still there, because I think he has the potential to be a really, really top player.

“That’s not suggesting that people should just be able to poach Newcastle’s players, but I’m more surprised with that [than Guimaraes being named captain].”

More important than any signing

Isak proved last season that he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League – only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more than his 21 goals.

He is adored at St James’ Park and was labelled “extraordinary” by former co-owner Amanda Staveley.

READ MORE: Newcastle fans given positive update about Marc Guehi despite Joachim Andersen leaving Crystal Palace

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is delighted that Isak is staying and predicted that he could be in the Golden Boot race again provided he stays fit.

Newcastle have not set the transfer window alight with their signings this summer but keeping hold of Isak and Co. is more important than any signing they could have completed.