Michael Owen has admitted that Newcastle United are not spoilt for choice when it comes to appointing their next club captain in the wake of Bruno Guimaraes' imminent departure and the period of upheaval at St. James' Park.
Guimaraes set for Arsenal move
The Brazilian is on the verge of completing a £75million move to Arsenal, granted permission to travel to north London for a medical on Wednesday as a result.
While the Magpies will be forced to navigate the task of finding a suitable replacement in terms of talent ahead of September's transfer deadline, they also have the conundrum of appointing a new first-team captain to fill the shoes that the experienced Guimaraes leaves behind.
Owen's verdict on captaincy candidates
That's something which former United striker Owen, who turned out at St James' Park between 2005 and 2009, believes could be a headache.
Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Live via Casino.org, who help UK gamblers compare online casinos, the 46-year-old said: "I don't know."
"Big Dan [Burn]? I mean, he'd be a popular choice, wouldn't he? I don't know."
"We'll have to see who they'll bring in and things like that, but there's going to be a big shake-up."
Dan Burn's case for the armband
Blyth born and bred, Burn has embodied the spirit of Newcastle United since his arrival at the club from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022.
At the age of 34, the versatile centre-half will have the experience to guide his boyhood club should the big wigs at St. James' Park opt to put their trust in him to do so.
A talent who eats, sleeps and breathes black and white, Burn is a standout candidate for the soon-to-be vacant captaincy in an otherwise largely inexperienced squad.
Uncertainty ahead
However, should United opt to bring in a seasoned and world-class replacement for Guimaraes, it could throw a cat among the pigeons.
Matthias Jaissle will also have a major say in who he deems fit to guide his club on the pitch following his arrival from Al-Ahli as Eddie Howe's successor.
With a pre-season campaign now underway, first-team players will have ample opportunity both on the pitch and at the training ground to plead their case as to why they are the right man for the job.
