Shields Gazette

The latest Newcastle United transfer talk as Sandro Tonali is linked with a shock move to a Premier League rival.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Fabrizio Romano has claimed Tottenham Hotspur are ready to join Manchester City and Arsenal in the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Italian midfielder’s future has been the subject of ongoing speculation in recent months and he has continually been linked with a big money move away from St James Park. Newcastle are in a strong position regarding what could lie ahead as Tonali remains under contract until the summer of 2029 and the Magpies are believed to have an option to extend that deal by a further year.

There have been links with moves to Manchester City and Arsenal in recent weeks and Manchester United have also been linked with the former AC Milan star as they look to rebuild their midfielder under new manager Michael Carrick after he was confirmed as permanent successor to Ruben Amorim earlier this month. However, a surprise new name has now reportedly ‘entered the race’ to sign Tonali after Romano claimed Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi wants the Magpies star to be ‘a new star’ in his side and revealed the North London outfit believe the United midfielder is keen on the move and is ‘attracted by the project’.

He posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali! De Zerbi wants Tonali as new star for the midfield, ideal to step up #THFC level. Spurs ready to face Man City and Arsenal in the race for Tonali for new ambitious project to prove their intentions.”

A further post read: “#THFC believe Tonali’s open to joining and keen on the move, while talks with Newcastle will follow on price/package.”

Speaking on YouTube, the Italian journalist expanded on the situation, saying: "Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Sandro Tonali is ready to join Spurs. Even without European football, even after a terrible season for Tottenham Hotspur, Tonali is attracted by the project and wants to play for Roberto De Zerbi. The possibility to see Tonali at Tottenham is really serious, it's really concrete."

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies are linked with an England international.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘keeping close tabs’ on England star Marcus Rashford after doubt was cast over his permanent move to Barcelona.

The Manchester United forward joined the Catalan giants on loan last season and went on to scored 14 goals and provide 14 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions and he wrote his name into Barca folklore when he scored a stunning free-kick in a 2-0 win against Real Madrid in the final weeks of the campaign.

A £24million permanent deal had been agreed as part of Rashford’s initial loan move - but Barca’s big money move for Newcastle star Anthony Gordon has led to an attempt to renegotiate the terms of that deal.

When asked about a possible permanent move to the Camp Nou last month, Rashford replied: “I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. We will see. I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can. This is one more to add to this. This is a wonderful team, they’re going to win so much in the future; to be a part of that would be special.”

The Mirror have now reported Manchester United have ‘refused the offer of another 12 month loan, lesser fee or the original £24m spread over several instalments’ and are now described as ‘exasperated’ by Barcelona’s attitude throughout negotiations. There are also suggestions the 13-time Premier League champions are desperate to get Rashford off their wage bill and the forward is said to have ‘no interest’ in resuming his career at Old Trafford.

The same report has said Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are all ‘keeping tabs on developments’ - although Rashford’s reported £325,000 weekly wage would surely rule the Magpies out of contention as that figure far surpasses their current highest earner.

Although there is an acceptance Newcastle will have to break their wage structure in the future as they look to become consistent challengers for European football and major silverware, a move for Rashford and a commitment to that level of investment is highly unlikely to be on the agenda for this summer.

Newcastle United will play a major part in the Premier League relegation battle between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United this weekend.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United will play a big part in the Premier League relegation battle, with their own season set to come to an underwhelming conclusion.

The side’s brief relegation concerns have been quashed, but European qualification is also looking highly unlikely with the side sitting 13th, five points behind 8th with two games left to play.

Elliot Anderson’s late equaliser for Nottingham Forest effectively ended Newcastle’s chances of securing European qualification for back-to-back seasons for the first time under Eddie Howe.

Subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox

Spurs & West Ham relegation battle

While Newcastle’s league season has been frustrating and disappointing, a dramatic situation is unfolding further down the table between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Hammers were denied what could have been a crucial last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last Sunday as Callum Wilson’s goal was ruled out by VAR.

That gave Spurs the chance to move four points clear with two games left in the relegation battle by beating Leeds United on Monday night. Despite taking the lead through Mathys Tel, the Spurs forward then conceded a penalty that was converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the match ended 1-1.

The point puts Spurs two points above West Ham with two games left to play. Roberto De Zerbi’s side travel to rivals Chelsea on Tuesday before hosting Everton on the final day.

Meanwhile, West Ham travel to Newcastle on Sunday knowing a win would take them out of the bottom three, albeit potentially temporarily. The Hammers then host Leeds on the final day of the season.

Newcastle and Leeds, having steered themselves clear of relegation, are set to play a major role in who survives the drop or not. Spurs have never been relegated from the Premier League and, as a so-called ‘big six’ club who took part in this season’s Champions League, to see them drop to the Championship would be viewed as the most shocking Premier League relegation to date.

The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Newcastle United: The relegators

While West Ham beat Newcastle earlier in the season and won 2-0 at St James’ Park last season, the Magpies have confirmed relegation of three clubs from the Premier League in the last four years.

In 2022, they beat Burnley at Turf Moor on the final day of the season to confirm their relegation. In 2024, a 5-1 win over Sheffield United confirmed the Blades’ relegation, and last season, a 3-0 win over Ipswich Town confirmed their relegation to the Championship.

West Ham can’t be relegated this weekend, but should they fail to win and Spurs beat Chelsea next Tuesday then it would confirm their relegation without kicking another ball after Newcastle.

Even a draw for Spurs would likely be enough if the Hammers lose due to goal difference.

Newcastle United could be without one of their key players for Sunday’s Premier League match against West Ham United.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Joelinton is a doubt for Newcastle United’s final Premier League home match of the season.

The Magpies host relegation-threatened West Ham United on Sunday evening and could be without one of their Brazilians.

Bruno Guimaraes has remained injury-free after recently returning from 10 weeks out with a hamstring issue. However, Joelinton is at risk of missing the game due to a “slight thigh problem”.

The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Newcastle United injury news ahead of West Ham clash

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also revealed Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar won’t return before the end of the season, though confirmed Lewis Hall is “fine” after taking a few knocks in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Providing an injury update at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Lewis is fine. He's trained this week, so no problems with his fitness.

“We have a doubt over Joelinton, who's picked up a slight thigh problem, so we'll assess him in the next couple of days.

“I think we're okay, apart from that. Of course, we've got the guys that are out and there's no change to their status.”

Premier League relegation battle between West Ham & Spurs

West Ham can’t be relegated this weekend, but should they fail to win and Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea next Tuesday then it would confirm their relegation without kicking another ball after Newcastle.

Even a draw for Spurs would likely be enough if the Hammers lose due to goal difference.

“Yeah, you can never predict that before the season starts,” Howe said. “And I think that's the beauty of this year's Premier League. It's been very, very unpredictable.

Stay in the know with St James’ Park’s biggest stories and sign up for our FREE Newcastle United newsletter

“You've seen big teams, big names, big history struggle. And you've seen some smaller clubs in name do really, really well. And I think that's down to, again, multi factors.

“I think there's some very, very strong teams in the Premier League this year, and if you underestimate them, which I don't think anyone does, because once you play against them, you realise the strength of the league.

“I think it's a great thing for the Premier League in the sense that you never quite know what's going to happen. But the challenge is there for every club, including us, that you have to keep improving, you have to keep evolving to stay with the competition.”

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United are facing major decisions over all of their senior goalkeepers during the summer as they all face uncertain futures at St James Park.

Regular number one Nick Pope has been far from convincing throughout the season and will enter the final 12 months of his current contract at the end of the season and loan signing Aaron Ramsdale does not appear to have done enough to convince the Magpies to make a permanent move for his services. Experienced duo John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are also out of contract as it stands. Several stoppers have been linked with a move to Tyneside with the Magpies said to have a reignited their interest in Manchester City and England star James Trafford - but a new name is reportedly on the radar.

French outlet L’Equipe have claimed the Magpies are one of three Premier League clubs showing an interest in France Under-21 stopper Ewen Jaouen after he impressed in the colours of Ligue 2 club Reims this season. The 20-year-old keeper has spent time out on loan with Rodez and Dunkerque in recent seasons - but has returned to Reims to play in all 33 of their league fixtures during the current campaign. Jaouen has kept 15 clean sheets during that time as his side sit in sixth position in the table ahead of Saturday’s home game against Pau.

Jaouen’s form has been recognised at international level over the last year after he appeared alongside the likes of Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Bournemouth’s in-form forward Junior Kroupi as France Under-21s claimed four points from European Championship qualifiers against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands. The report claims Newcastle, Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur have ‘positioned themselves’ in the race to sign Jaouen after monitoring his progress and states Reims expect the young keeper to command a fee between €15million and €20million.

Jaouen penned a new contract with Reims last month that has committed him to the club until the summer of 2029 - but L’Equipe claim there is an expectation he will leave this summer and reiterates the expected fee is ‘not trivial in this position’.

From Champions League to relegation battles. Are Newcastle United in danger of becoming the next Tottenham Hotspur?

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Eddie Howe claims Newcastle United have ‘a lot to do’ over the next few months in order to avoid becoming another Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have been a cautionary tale for the likes of Newcastle this season having won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League last season.

But that Europa League victory masked some dismal Premier League form as the side finished 17th last season. While a side that has mostly finished in and around the European places for the last 15 years, Spurs were expected by most to improve on last season’s Premier League performance.

Instead, the negative momentum has carried on and the North London club have found themselves locked in a relegation battle with four games left to play. Tottenham currently sit 18th in the table and two points from safety.

Meanwhile, Newcastle sit 14th in the table, eight points above the drop zone. But with nine defeats in their last 12 Premier League matches and bogey side Brighton & Hove Albion next up followed by relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, the Magpies risk being dragged into an uncomfortable position.

When asked about potential relegation fears this season, Howe dismissed the suggestion and instead focused on the short term target of getting back to winning ways. As it happens, another win for the Magpies would be enough to guarantee survival in the Premier League.

But it’s hard to know where the next win is coming from on the back of five straight defeats in all competitions.

The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Are NUFC in a relegation battle this season?

“Well, I think we're looking at the fact we haven't won games and it's too many games without positive results,” Howe said about Newcastle looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle. “So, we're looking at next week and trying to win a game and try and lift the feeling that we currently feel.”

While Newcastle are expected to stay up, given their current 42 point total, Spurs know all too well the damaging impact of a poor domestic campaign and how it can carry on into the next season.

When asked what Newcastle have to do to avoid following Spurs’ path and being dragged into a relegation scrap next season, Howe told The Gazette: “Yes, we've got a lot to do.

“I think we've got challenges from different sides on the pitch, off the pitch. We've got a big summer coming up, so we need to be fully prepared for that.”

Subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox

Newcastle United set to stick with Eddie Howe

As revealed by The Gazette last week, Newcastle are prepared to stick with Howe to lead the summer rebuild job with several key player departures expected. Kieran Trippier has already announced his departure once his contract expires at the end of June.

Fabian Schar could also follow suit and be released while the likes of Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali have all been linked with big money moves away from the club.

Newcastle are also targeting a striker this summer which will almost certainly pave the way for one of the current forwards to leave.

Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United: Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game as Mikel Arteta’s side went back to the top of the Premier League.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United made it five defeats in a row in all competitions as Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Late wins for Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United closed the gap between Newcastle and the relegation zone to just eight points before a ball was kicked at the Emirates Stadium.

But within minutes of kick-off in North London, Newcastle found themselves behind as Eberichi Eze put the hosts ahead from the edge of the box. A fine finish from the England international as the Magpies simply spectated Arsenal’s short corner routine after a let-off moments earlier.

The goal was the only real moment of quality in the opening first half as Newcastle, to their credit, were steady otherwise without posing a major threat in the final third.

The second half saw Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade get a rare outing together on the pitch as Newcastle searched for a way back into the game. The pair almost combined to draw the visitors level with Woltemade’s lobbed ball blazed over by Wissa on the volley from close range.

A few minutes later Dan Burn headed a good chance straight at David Raya in the Arsenal goal as the hosts looked set to hold out for three points. While Newcastle’s performance was a marked improvement on recent displays, there was also the feeling they could have been playing until Sunday and still not have scored, and in that is a glaring issue for a side lacking confidence and cutting edge.

Relegation fears for NUFC?

When any concerns of relegation were put to Eddie Howe after the defeat to Bournemouth last week, the Newcastle boss shrugged off the suggestion, stating: “I don't know necessarily about that [relegation battle], but eight defeats out of 11 isn't good enough.”

But it’s now nine defeats out of 12 and Newcastle are sleepwalking into a relegation battle with four games left to play, two of which are against Nottingham Forest and West Ham just below them.

Realistically, Newcastle need just one more win from their final four matches to ensure survival in the Premier League. They’ve already surpassed the 40-point mark often regarded as the benchmark needed to ensure Premier League survival.

But this isn’t a normal season and it’s not a mathematical guarantee. Next up for the Magpies is sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, who could realistically qualify for the Champions League without having to move up any more places.

Yet the Seagulls are just eight points above Newcastle. In theory, Howe’s side are as far from the Champions League places as they are from the relegation zone. The chances of either are unlikely, but there’s only one that looks possible at the moment.

If Newcastle stay up, and it’s still an if, it will be down to results elsewhere because right now it’s hard to see where the next point is coming from.

Chris Hughton played 398 times for Tottenham Hotspur before working as a coach at the club for 15 years.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is reportedly in contention to manage Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

The 67-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Ghana in January 2024. Hughton spent 13 years as a Spurs player, winning two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup before joining the coaching setup.

Predominantly working in the club’s academy, Hughton enjoyed two caretaker spells in the 1990s during his 15-year career as a Tottenham coach. Almost three decades in North London - as well as being a lifelong fan - makes him a potential short-term fix to drag Spurs out of trouble.

The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Tottenham Hotspur in dire straits

Tottenham acted swiftly to axe Igor Tudor as manager after just seven games. The Croat - who replaced Thomas Frank following their defeat to Newcastle - lasted 44 days in the hot seat.

Spurs lost 3-0 at home to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and that was enough for the board to pull the trigger. They sit just one point above the drop zone, have a crippling injury list and have not won a Premier League game since December.

According to talkSPORT, Hughton is one of several contenders in the frame for the job. His pragmatic style and Tottenham connection put him as a possible solution until the summer.

Join the Gazette’s free NUFC newsletter to follow the latest headlines and updates from the Premier League and more

Chris Hughton and Newcastle United

Hughton remains a popular figure at St James' Park. One of Newcastle’s greatest unsung heroes, his first gig as a No.1 in management came during the 2009-10 Championship season.

Initially an interim boss, many backed the Magpies to “do a Leeds United” and fall into the third division. Hughton rallied the dressing room, storming to an automatic promotion before enjoying a solid start to the Premier League campaign.

Highlights following promotion include a thrilling 6-0 win against Aston Villa, beating Arsenal 1-0 away and smashing bitter rivals Sunderland 5-1. However, Mike Ashley brutally axed Hughton after a 3-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion, with Newcastle sitting 12th in the table.

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United ahead of this week’s Champions League round of 16 first leg meeting with Barcelona.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke in a week when the England international admitted there were no excuses for his current side in their battle against relegation from the Premier League.

The former Liverpool and Bournemouth frontman worked under current Magpies head coach Eddie Howe during his time at the Vitality Stadium and remained with the Cherries when Howe departed during the summer of 2020. Solanke helped Bournemouth return to the Premier League just over two years later and had scored 77 goals and provided 29 assists in 216 appearances by the time Spurs were tempted into making a successful £65m offer for his services during the summer of 2024.

Although the striker has struggled with injuries during his time in North London, he still has a respectable goalscoring record of 21 goals in 59 appearances - but he has been unable to inspire his side in their bid to avoid what could be considered to be a shock relegation from the top flight this season.

Speaking about his side’s struggles at the wrong end of the Premier League table after the midweek defeat against Crystal Palace, Solanke said: “We've just had a big conversation. We know the position we are in is definitely not where we want to be so we need to figure out how we are going to get out of it as soon as possible. We know there's been difficulties but we're not in a position to make any excuses anymore. We need to do the job on the pitch and I think it is easy to say that we want to be better, but we need to make sure we are better on the pitch.”

With Spurs now firmly in the battle to avoid the drop, the Daily Mail have reported Solanke has ‘emerged as a summer target’ for Newcastle as they look to boost a forward line that has struggled for goals this season. The report also claims current Magpies forward Will Osula is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa ahead of what they have claimed could be a ‘summer of change’ at St James Park.

Liverpool ‘in front’ of Arsenal in race for Magpies star

Several Newcastle United players have been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks - and Anthony Gordon has been prominent amongst them.

The former Everton forward has experienced mixed fortunes during the current season but has scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 41 appearances in all competitions. His form has reportedly increased interest in his services and former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes there is a two-horse race for his signature with Arsenal and Liverpool set to go head-to-head this summer.

He told Football Insider: “His performances haven’t been great. He got booed off, I believe, at the weekend when Everton won up there. And of course, he wasn’t well received by the Everton fans as well. I think Arsenal may be a very good option for him, but I don’t see him fitting in quite that well into the Arsenal squad as I think he might do in Liverpool. So I think it’s still a two-horse race. And I’m not so sure Arsenal are really that keen right now. I think they will wait and see. But no, I think Liverpool, to me, have still got their heads in front.”

Newcastle United injuries: Bruno Guimaraes has suffered a ‘serious’ hamstring injury and is facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes could be out until April following what has been described as a ‘serious muscle injury’.

Guimaraes suffered a hamstring injury and was forced off in the closing stages of Newcastle’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night.

On Friday morning, United head coach Eddie Howe was unable to give a clear prognosis on the Brazilian’s injury as the club awaited to hear the full extent of the issue.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Bruno Guimaraes injury blow

But by Friday evening, reports surfaced claiming that Guimaraes would be out until after the March international break.

Such an absence comes as a major blow to Newcastle, who have never won a Premier League match without Guimaraes in the squad since his £40million move from Lyon in 2022.

Football influencer Fabrizio Romano claimed Guimaraes is expected to be out for eight to 10 weeks with a ‘serious muscle injury’.

“Bruno Guimarães suffer 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 as he’ll be out for weeks,” Romano wrote. “Current expectation is for 𝟖/𝟏𝟎 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 — Newcastle and Seleção staff are in contact to assess his recovery.

“Bruno could travel to Brazil soon for further tests with his presence for March games already ruled out. He’ll be 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐏.”

Subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox

Games Bruno Guimaraes could miss for NUFC

The games Guimaraes is expected to miss before the March international break are:

*Possible FA Cup fifth round tie*

*Possible Champions League last-16 home leg*

*Possible Champions League last-16 away leg*