Chronicle Live

£38m man Harvey Barnes got on the scoresheet in South Korea for Newcastle United

Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes insists that pre-season has been a "character" building experience after putting a smile on the fans' faces with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

The £38million man could form part of a three-man attack against Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season with the team picking itself in the final third. Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could lead the line of attack against Unai Emery's side with Alexander Isak's position at the club looking ominous.

Newcastle have not won a game in pre-season but stopped the run of defeats with a 1-1 draw against Spurs thanks to his equaliser in Seoul.

Barnes will be keen to get another goal or two in friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid ahead of the weekend double header at St James' Park.

Barnes said: "The result isn't the be all and end all but we are at that stage now we want to start picking it up. We need wins and momentum building up for the season.

"It is a mixture for us, confidence and getting into a rhythm. Scoring goals is a habit you want to get into ahead of the new season.

"We have a tough test with two more games, then the season starts."

The ex-Leicester City man then added: "We had lost the last three and you want to pride yourself on winning. We didn't win but we didn't lose and came back from behind which was good.

"It is building that character that we are going to need next year."

The game resulted in a farewell appearance for Son Heung-min who left the field to a guard of honour in Seoul.

Barnes told MBN News: "It was a nice moment. Son was an incredible player in the Premier League, and it was a great joy to have him here.

"His style of play inspires others, myself included. He has been a credit to the Premier League."

The clash also resulted in Seung-soo Park getting a couple of opportunities on the Far East tour. Initially, Park had been set to stay with the Under-21s, but impressed in two cameos.

Barnes said: "Park has made a good impression we obviously have not had a lot of time to see him but in two games he has come on and done very well.

"He was very popular in South Korea, he is an exciting player and we need to give him time to settle in now."

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

The Magpies signed off their Far East tour on an action packed night in South Korea

Newcastle United stopped the rot in pre-season by ending a run of defeats with a convincing 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies effectively played the role of party poopers by denting Son Heung-min's chances of ending his Spurs campaign without a win or a goal. And while there was respect with a guard of honour as Son left the field, Newcastle showed the fighting spirit and gamesmanship that has got them into the Champions League in recent times.

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes grabbed Cristian Romero around the neck during this feisty clash while Joelinton barnstormed his way in to cool things down. This felt like much more of an Eddie Howe type performance on what was also an emotional night as a nation said farewell to Son in a Spurs shirt.

In truth, the main attraction for local fans was understandably Son Heung-min with the South Korea soccer God sending Seoul into meltdown this week. Fans were encamped outside the Tottenham hotel and at the Seoul World Cup Stadium five hours early to catch a glimpse of the star in his last game.

With two minutes gone, Nick Pope did not get the contact he wanted on routine clearance and conceded a corner. From Mathys Tel's corner Jacob Murphy failed to clear with Pape Matar Sarr's effort saved by Pope.

But Newcastle did not fully get over the attack with Brennan Johnson slipped in and Lewis Miley failing to react quickly. Johnson struck the shot from 20-yards out with Dan Burn unable to block and Pope beaten with a low shot.

It was little wonder that Kieran Trippier fumed with his defenders and jumped up and down in anger as Newcastle started in sleepy manner. Newcastle created a chance to level it up on 15 minutes when Anthony Gordon cut it back for Joelinton but it the Brazilian's air shot did not trouble Antonin KInsky.

Gordon was in the thick of it again two minutes later as he struck a shot that was deflected wide to earn Newcastle a corner. Tel cashed in on a horror moment from Matt Targett who lost out down the left-hand side when trying to win a free-kick from the Spurs man.

Tel then motored down the left-hand side but Pope made a fine block with his feet to keep Newcastle in the game. A Bruno Guimaraes cross mid-way through the first half fell for Joelinton but he headed just wide.

A clash between Trippier and Archie Gray resulted in a visit to the field from club doctor Paul Catterson. Gray apologised and Trippier wanted to stay on.

Newcastle drew level seven minutes before the break thanks to a fine finish from Harvey Barnes as he staked his claim for the season on the left-hand side. Joelinton rolled the ball through the middle for Gordon before he released the ex-Leicester man down the flank.

Barnes took six touches before easing his way into the box and striking off the post. The goal was reward for some decent openings from Newcastle and there was a sense of relief as the Magpies celebrated and Local Hero piped out around the PA system.

A minor bust-up resulted in Joelinton squaring up to a posse of Tottenham defenders after a scrap between Bruno and Cristian Romero. Gordon and Son calmed things down before play resumed and Lewis Miley curved one just over.

Jacob Murphy put in a fine cross for Gordon for Newcastle's first big chance of the second half but after firing home the flag went up for an offside.

Newcastle introduced William Osula and Tino Livramento to give themselves some different options for the final half hour. The stadium - and Seoul itself, with millions watching on TV, came to a standstill as Son went off

Both sets of players formed a guard of honour as he was applauded off the field, with South Korean A-listers and K-pop stars in attendance watching on as he left Tottenham and the Premier League for pastures new.

As the camera flicked to to the bench Son was in tears on a night in which the main attraction was inescapable in the Far East world. Late in the game Elanga's clearance resulted in the £55m man clipping James Maddison and causing an injury and the stretcher coming out.

Newcastle made a host of changes in the final stages of the game with Lewis Hall back from injury after five months out and Park Seung-soo getting more minutes. Park played in Miley late on but he struck his effort over the top.

Neither side could win it but Newcastle put in a much-needed performance and will feel better about life going into the end of pre-season. Now if they can only sort out their transfer woes and keep Alexander Isak.

Referee: Kim Kong-Hyeok

Newcastle United round off their pre-season tour of Asia against Spurs

Newcastle United will continue their pre-season preparations with a match against Tottenham Hotspur

Eddie Howe's side have lost their last three friendlies; a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, a late 3-2 loss to Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium, and then a 1-0 reverse against a K-League XI in Suwon. New signing Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy scored the goals for the Magpies against Arsenal but it's been two blanks without Alexander Isak, who has missed the tour.

After their friendly vs Spurs, Newcastle will wrap-up their pre-season with two home fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, before kicking-off the Premier League campaign away to Aston Villa on August 16.

With that said, Chronicle Live brings you all the details on how to follow their latest friendly;

When is Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

The match at the Seoul World Cup Stadium - in South Korea - will take place on Sunday, August 3 at 12pm which will be 8pm local time.

How can I watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

Newcastle are live streaming all seven of their pre-season friendlies through the club's website and app.

Magp+ members can watch all matches for £9.99, while Mags members can access them for £19.99. Non-members can purchase the full pre-season package for £29.99.

Alternatively, individual matches are available to stream for £4.99 or £6.99, depending on the fixture.

Official pre-season match passes can be purchased here at https://nufctv.newcastleunited.com/home.

How else can I follow Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

Chronicle Live will be in attendance to bring you live updates throughout the match. We have all the build up, team news, match analysis and reaction as it happens - right here.

Newcastle United's remaining pre-season fixtures

August 8: Newcastle vs Espanyol (7.30pm, St James' Park)

August 9: Newcastle vs Atletico Madrid (4pm, St James' Park)

Here at Chronicle Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Newcastle United are hoping to finally get a pre-season win on the board at the fourth time of asking on Sunday as they take on fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies have endured a tricky tour of Asia so far. They went down narrowly to Arsenal a week ago before losing 1-0 against K-League Select XI in midweek. That followed on from a 4-0 thumping by Celtic before they set off.

Newcastle will go in against a Spurs-heavy crowd at the Seoul World Cup Stadium with thousands set to pay farewell to Son Heung-min in a Tottenham shirt. Newcastle have their own South Korean star for the fans to get excited by though, with Park Seung-soo in line for another appearance.

Eddie Howe will be forced to make a few changes from the K-League game. Joe Willock is out injured, but Bruno Guimareas and Joelinton could start while up front he will be hoping Anthony Gordon and William Osula can find their shooting boots.

We have all the team news, match action and the immediate reaction from the game below.

The Magpies are ready to let their teenage signing run riot in the remaining pre-season games

Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo is turning into one of the big plus points of pre-season - and could feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night.

Park wooed the Suwong crowd here on Wednesday night and now goes into the tour finale hoping to face off against his hero. Son Heung-min will make his farewell to the Seoul fans in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt after 10 years at the club.

For Park the dream is to play and swap shirts with the king of South Korean football. Speaking before the game, Park, who stands at a sturdy 6ft and has been putting himself about in training, was asked about the legendary figure.

He said: "I am sure it must not have been an easy decision for Son. And since tomorrow could really be his final match with Tottenham, I'd love to swap shirts with him."

A big decision now lies ahead for Eddie Howe with Park as he considers whether to loan him out or keep him with the first team. At one stage he was set to stay with the reserves but his development looks beyond Newcastle's Under-21 side and playing in Premier League 2 may be too easy for him.

Park is excited about his time ahead on Tyneside and said: : "It's a huge honour to join Newcastle United. It's a big step for me and I feel incredibly thankful for the faith the club have shown in me.

"I'm excited to develop here, learn from the coaches, and give everything to become the best player I can be."

Running at defenders is certain to be a hit for St James' Park and the reaction of home fans in either the Espanyol or Atletico Madrid will really send a message home to Park on how big United are.

He said: "My biggest strength is dribbling. I tried to show what I do best when I stepped onto the pitch. I’m glad the moment I was aiming for came out.

"I wanted to entertain fans here tonight, and I am glad things worked out well. I don't usually hear fans' chants during matches, but for some reason, I was able to hear them tonight. They made me feel more confident."

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

The Magpies were a couple of players down in training on Friday as they prepared for the clash against Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United have now discovered the full extent of Joe Willock's Suwon injury blow.

However, Chronicle Live understands that the former Arsenal player will not have a long lay-off after being stretchered off against the K-League on Wednesday evening in South Korea. Crucially, Willock, who came out worse in a 50-50 late in the game, has not damaged his achilles - which was the first fear as he was carried down the tunnel in midweek.

Newcastle had a lighter session yesterday in Seoul at Seongnam FC's training base, but Willock did not feature. Also absent was Sandro Tonali who, as Chronicle Live revealed yesterday, has suffered a whack to his left leg.

But Willock has remained with the squad and has not travelled home for treatment with a bruised calf the only outcome of his unfortunate moment in Suwon. Tonali is also not badly hurt and could face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the final game of the Coupang Play Series.

Tonali was in great spirits as he took part in a meet and greet with lucky supporters who were drawn out of a ballot to meet the Italian, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar.

The first-team stars, who were donning the new green away shirt, were part of a promotion for Guinness which also saw fans get free pints with the images of Shola Ameobi and Shay Given emblazoned on the head of the drinks!

The absence of Willock could give Lewis Miley a chance to shine against Spurs and gain his second start of pre-season. The 19-year-old was one of the plus points of the 1-0 loss in Suwon.

Norway Under-20 star Travis Hernes is also being pushed to the front in pre-season following the departure of Sean Longstaff to Leeds.

With Newcastle down to five central midfielders, Hernes may be held back from a loan deal this season.

It's also a chance for Alfie Harrison, still just 19, to remind Howe what he can do after being entrusted to be on the trip to the Far East. The ex-Man City youngster did not make any first-team breakthrough last term and opportunity knocks in Seoul.

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Newcastle United are on the hunt for additional attacking reinforcements after capturing the signature of Anthony Elanga. Only this time it will be a central striker pursued as Eddie Howe seeks competition for Alexander Isak.

That in itself is a hard sell. The sales pitch will essentially involve talk of rivalling Isak for a solo starting spot through the middle but attempting to persuade talent to take up that fight will come with difficulties.

Tottenham Hotspur endured a similar problem when luring players to north London to accompany Harry Kane in their attacking ranks. This is not an impossible task, however, and Spurs are actually proof that you can still find big names to come in and offer competition to your prized asset.

But one other dilemma Newcastle must deal with is the market value and inflated price tags of some of their top targets at the top end of the pitch.

So far this summer, United have seen swoops for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap fall short. Pedro moved for £60m, while Delap had a tempting release clause of £30m.

Since then, there has been speculation over moves for Hugo Ekitike, valued at £86m by Eintracht Frankfurt, and Yoane Wissa, thought to be worth £50m in the eyes of Brentford - who are already dealing with key exits in the form of Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard and potentially Bryan Mbeumo.

Another name floated is that of Ollie Watkins, who also won’t come cheap despite entering the business years of his career. Yet still some fans on Tyneside will refuse to get excited about a free transfer in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

It does certainly feels as though this summer market, more than so, has seen prices inflated in a significant way. Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause move seemingly started it off.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo will cost more than that, while some will argue Elanga is not a £55m player just yet. Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to spend £50m on Noni Madueke, which again will be used as a yardstick for attacking valuations in the future.

With north of £100m being squirrelled away for Elanga, a goalkeeper and a central defender - and with limited sellable assets at the club’s disposal - Newcastle may not be able to go big on an Isak competitor.

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Dennis Cirkin came through Spurs' academy and is now being linked with a return that would solve a Champions League problem

Dennis Cirkin is a target for Tottenham Hotspur with the London giants said to be preparing to make their move.

Crucially, the Sunderland left-back is a former Spurs youth having grown up in the north London club’s academy.

UEFA rules mean that Cirkin has become a target for his former club who he left in 2021.

Cirkin played a big part in their promotion to the Premier League but it is understood the Black Cats would be prepared to accept offers in the region of £20m.

Spurs’ new head coach Thomas Frank is fully concentrated on rebuilding his squad and Cirkin fits into his style of play and principles.

Upgrading the starting XI will be the topmost priority, though, Spurs will need to add quality depth to their squad to be able to compete across multiple fronts.

Having won the Europa League by beating Manchester United in the final in May, the Lilywhites subsequently qualified for the Champions League. Therefore, they must comply with UEFA’s rules in order to compete in the Champions League.

As per Football London, UEFA rules state that Tottenham must have four ‘club-trained players’ in their squad, someone who has been on a club’s books for three entire seasons or 36 months between the ages of 15 and 21. Currently, they have just one in the form of goalkeeper Brandon Austin.

In order to comply with UEFA’s rules, Spurs have been linked with Cirkin.

Tottenham have been monitoring him ahead of a possible swoop. The left-back signed for Sunderland in 2021, having never made a senior appearance for Tottenham, and has gone on to establish himself a key player of the Wearside club.

With Spurs in desperate need of club-trained players, former scout Bryan King thinks the north Londoners will make a move for Cirkin this summer. He feels Sunderland would accept a bid of £20million for their star defender, but is unsure whether the deal is ideal for Tottenham.

“Cirkin is still only 23 years old,” Bryan King told Tottenham News.

“Therefore, it would probably take a bid of about £20m for Sunderland to accept. I know they need to address this issue, but they’re linked with Kyle Walker-Peters as well.

“Tottenham don’t want to sign too many players in that position because they’ve already got quite a bit of coverage in the full-back areas.

“If Tottenham can bring through some U21 players to address that issue, that would be a much cheaper option than going out and buying a player like Cirkin. I wouldn’t think Sunderland would be too happy about it either.”

At 23, Cirkin’s best years are clearly ahead of him and he’d be a good option to provide back-up for Udogie. The Dublin-born talent would also fulfil the N17-based outfit’s most important requirement of club-trained players to participate in the Champions League next term.

Newcastle United play host to Sam Fender once again

Geordie royalty returns to Tyneside this weekend as Sam Fender plays three jam-packed gigs at St James' Park. Newcastle United's home will play host, for the second time in a matter of years, to the musician and thousands of fans on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fender's two sold-out shows in 2023 are estimated to have brought £15m to the local economy, while the NUFC Fans' Foodbank will again be situated in their usual spot opposite Shearer's Bar, raising vital funds for the most vulnerable people in the region. Newcastle United as a football club will also benefit from the singer's return to his favourite venue.

These events are big business for Premier League sides who lend the use of their stadiums for these non-football events. In recent years, Aston Villa have hosted Bruce Springsteen, Arsenal recently put on a Robbie Williams show, Tottenham Hotspur have welcomed Beyonce and Fender himself, just last week, played at West Ham's London Stadium.

St James' Park has hosted its fair share of worldwide musical superstars in years gone by, but the belief is that should the north east outfit change venues - with a Leazes Park move mooted - they will be able to turbo-charge their commercial revenue by holding many more acts and other sporting events on Tyneside.

Kieran Maguire, a football finance expert, recently told the Telegraph income generated, for football clubs, from gigs was 'a closely guarded secret', while experts in the world of media suggest stadium rental fees and a percentage of merchandise sales is how clubs make their money from these occasions. Tottenham Hotspur's recent five-night Beyonce run is estimated to have made the Premier League clubs millions.

Daniel Levy's club took home a cut of the merchandise sales from each evening, as well as the entirety of the food and drink sales. The Athletic estimated the gigs could have pocketed Tottenham £15m but the club suggested the final figure was £5m when costs were taken into account.

Tottenham have truly led the way in this field in recent years after taking the leap to leave White Hart Lane for the aptly-named Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The club's latest financial accounts show revenue from third-party events, commercial avenues, sponsorship and merchandise rose to £225.2m from £227.7m the year prior (2023).

Spurs had initially been permitted to host 16 non-football events each year by the Haringey Council but recently received a license to host 30 over 12 months at the venue. in 2023, Goldman Sachs estimated those 16 non-football events were worth £55m to the club.

As well as continuously hosting Beyonce concerts, the likes of Lady Gaga and Red Hot Chilli Peppers have played gigs at the club's new ground. Heavyweight boxing clashes and NFL fixtures are also often showcased at the stadium these days. In Spurs' final season at White Hart Lane, back in 2016-17, the club made £45m in matchday revenue.

Now, they have more than doubled that figure to rank as one of Europe's best when it comes to money-making. That is what Newcastle aspire to become, whether at a new stadium or at St James' Park.

Newcastle United's chief operating officer, Brad Miller, last year said: "The second option [a Leazes Park move], we are looking at it seriously as it does have the potential to earn more than twice as much in terms of revenue, compared to a transformation of St James’ Park."

He added: "A new stadium has the potential to earn a lot more, both on match days, and non-match days."

Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Newcastle United will make changes to their goalkeeping department this summer

When Newcastle United were taken over in 2021, few thought ageing, backup goalkeepers would be high on the transfer agenda almost four years down the line. However, as the summer window kicks into life, there's every chance we see another veteran stopper arrive to offer dressing room and training ground support behind the scenes.

Last summer saw John Ruddy, recently released by Birmingham City, join Eddie Howe's ranks in that capacity to offer his wisdom and experience on Tyneside. Fast forward to present day and Chronicle Live understands the 38-year-old is expected to depart upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.

Ruddy's departure would open the door for another stopper being drafted in, with the likes of Fraser Forster [37], Tim Krul [37] and Freddie Woodman [28] all being linked in recent weeks. The trio of stoppers all plied their trade for Newcastle earlier in their respective careers and surprise returns to St James' Park makes sense for one very specific reason.

As per UEFA squad rules, Newcastle must include eight 'homegrown' players in their upcoming Champions League roster. Four of those players must be 'club-trained' - meaning they were registered with the Magpies for at least three years between the age of 15 and 21.

Recent departures for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Paul Dummett mean Sean Longstaff is the only senior player in Howe's squad to fit that bill. As such, any of the free aforementioned free agent goalkeepers could be drafted back in to help Newcastle comply with UEFA's registration rules.

Forster is an intriguing option as his contract at Tottenham Hotspur ticks down. Injuries in north London saw the former Toon keeper drafted in for seven Premier League and four Europa League ties under Ange Postecoglou last season.

In contrast, Krul failed to make a single appearance for Championship side Luton Town as they were relegated from the second tier. Woodman featured in 37 of Preston's league fixtures last term but was ruled out for the final stretch of games due to injury, with the player now set to move on in search of regular, first-team football.

Forster, as such, would be an unsurprising signing in the coming weeks as Howe revamps his goalkeeping department. The former Southampton goalkeeper has even given the green light to a St James' Park return in recent years.

“If I could have had one thing in my career so far it would have been to have played one game for them at St James’ Park,” he told The Times in 2023. “To be a Newcastle fan, that’s every kid’s dream, to play at St James’, in front of 52,000.

"There as well it means so much being a Geordie and playing for Newcastle. That’s one thing I wish I could change.”

Forster joined the Magpies when he was 15 but made his name elsewhere, flourishing for the likes of Southampton and Celtic, along with spells at Norwich City and Stockport County.

With Ruddy poised to depart, decisions will be made over Nick Pope, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie. Howe has been clear he will seek to make changes to his senior stopper department after overseeing five on the books of late.

"The goalkeeper situation has been slightly difficult this year," Howe told reporters before the end of the season. "We have a high number of goalkeepers which probably hasn't been ideal.

"Those players have handled that situation very, very well. It's not easy. They have been really good professionals, all of them.

"They have created a really good team network and trained really well. They have helped whoever has been playing be at their best for match day. I am full of compliments for them. But let's wait and see."