Cole: I played two days before move

ALEXANDER Isak will not be the first big-name player to leave Newcastle United should he get his transfer wish and move to Liverpool before deadline day.

- By STUART JAMIESON Regional football editor

While it’s a far cry from the days when Newcastle sold their best players in the 1980s when the likes of Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle and Paul Gascoigne left for Liverpool and Tottenham, it does not mean United are immune from potentially damaging exits.

Even in the Premier League era, Newcastle have had to deal with shock transfers - none more so than when Andy Cole was sold to Manchester United in 1995.

Then manager Kevin Keegan famously took to the St James’ Park steps to explain the decision to fans, with bigger plans up the Newcastle legend's sleeve.