Dan Burn says ambitious Newcastle want to emulate Manchester City and become the best team on the planet.
Having clocked up victories over West Ham and Bournemouth, star-studded City will continue their latest Premier League title defence against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). Eddie Howe and the Magpies will also put their unbeaten tag on the line in that meeting at St James' Park.
Newcastle are embracing life under new owners after a consortium backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) struck up an agreement with Mike Ashley. It was a seismic £305million deal which threatens to upset the Premier League pecking order in the longer-term if things go to plan.
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However, for the time being, City are very much top dogs on and off the pitch after backing up a fourth title win in five seasons by signing Erling Haaland and England international Kalvin Phillips - along with other names - during the summer window.
Before the Sunday afternoon showdown, Burn said: "City, to me, are the best team in the world. It will be a good measuring stick to see where we are compared to them."
Burn continued: "That's where we want to be at some point. Obviously, we don't know when that will be or how far away, but it's always a tough test. You want to play against the best players and do well. We have until Sunday now to prepare for it."
After beating West Ham on the opening day - with Haaland netting both goals - City swept aside newly-promoted Bournemouth in their subsequent fixture. However, opponents Newcastle have also started the season impressively with four points from two games without conceding.
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