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Fabrizio Romano confirms official Newcastle United Sandro Tonali transfer decision as Spurs make £80m move

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Fabrizio Romano confirms official NUFC Tonali transfer decision as Spurs make move - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United transfers: Tottenham Hotspur have made an official approach for Sandro Tonali.

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Newcastle United have reportedly rejected an official offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Sandro Tonali.

The offer is worth in the region of £80million - roughly £30million more than Newcastle paid for the midfielder from AC Milan back in 2023.

Spurs have stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old this past week and have now officially made a move for the player in an attempt to beat the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal to his signature.

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Newcastle United reject Spurs offer - official talks underway

Tonali is open to leaving Newcastle this summer after the side missed out on European football last season. Yet Spurs’ interest comes on the back of successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Newcastle are understood to be open to selling Tonali this summer but would demand a significant fee for the Italy international. A stance backed up by various reports of Tottenham’s rejected offer.

Now there has been formal contact between the two clubs after Spurs were alerted to Tonali’s willingness to join and work under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs’ rejected offer was ‘part of the plan’ with talks now officially underway.

He tweeted: “THFC determined to get the deal done. Spurs keep pushing. De Zerbi wants him.”

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Another major departure at NUFC?

Newcastle have already agreed one major departure this summer with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona for £70million.

Now attention turns to Tonali while Newcastle are still picking up the pieces from the failed attempt at signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna. The Magpies had a deal agreed for the winger only for him to join Liverpool instead.

Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, has spoken publicly about how a summer move for his client is likely. The Gazette reported in March that Tonali’s camp believe he has a gentleman’s agreement to leave if Newcastle do not secure European football.

So it will come down to price and whether Spurs, or another interested party, are willing to table an offer that Newcastle would seriously consider. After rejecting an opening offer of around £80million, Newcastle would need to see an offer closer to the £100million mark in order to seriously consider it.

If that was the case, the club would have sold Alexander Isak, Gordon and Tonali in the space of 12 months for a combined fee of around £300million. The only issue is how that money is reinvested.

David Hopkinson has answered Sandro Tonali transfer question at Newcastle United amid £85m Spurs links

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David Hopkinson has answered Sandro Tonali transfer question at Newcastle United amid £85m Spurs links - Shields Gazette
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Tottenham Hotspur are linked with an £85million move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

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Newcastle United want to keep Sandro Tonali but would sanction a big-money sale on their terms.

One high-profile exit has already been sanction as Anthony Gordon headed to Barcelona for £70million plus add-ons ahead of the World Cup. This is a change in tack from the damaging saga that derailed the summer transfer window 12 months ago.

Last year, the Magpies were held to ransom by a sulking superstar who refused to train or play. Alexander Isak was granted his wish on deadline day and has been dealt a deadly dose of karma since.

His debut season at Liverpool was a nightmare - with more injuries than goals across all competitions. Toon chiefs desperately wanted to avoid an Isak repeat - and have done so by securing Gordon’s swift departure.

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Sandro Tonali transfer saga

Barcelona pipped Bayern Munich to the post and Newcastle will pocket a tidy sum in return. Attention now switches to Tonali, the subject of intense speculation all season.

His agent, Beppe Riso, has publicly stated on several occasions that a summer switch is likely. The Gazette reported in March that Tonali’s camp believe he has a gentleman’s agreement to leave if Newcastle do not secure European football.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a potential destination in recent days. It is understood that the player’s family are warming to a move to London - irrespective of Spurs finishing 17th for two consecutive seasons.

Roberto De Zerbi is planning a major rebuild at Tottenham to reinvigorate a stuttering squad. Tonali has been identified as the man to spearhead a new-look engine room - but he will not come cheap.

Newcastle have placed a steeper price tag on Tonali than Gordon. The Magpies rate the Italian as one of Europe’s best midfielders who could fetch in closer to the £90million mark.

Likewise with Gordon, if any potential suitor stumps up his valuation, Newcastle would permit his exit. His price tag rules out Serie A clubs, with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs also linked in recent months.

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David Hopkinson open to sale

In March, Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson publicly vowed there will never be another “Isak-like scenario” on Tyneside - a man of his word given recent events. He told reporters: “We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

“But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club. Going forward, our strategy is to buy well and sell well.”

What have Newcastle United done to Sandro Tonali? Joining Spurs makes zero sense

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What have Newcastle United done to Sandro Tonali? Joining Spurs would look desperate and makes zero sense - Shields Gazette
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Sandro Tonali wanting to leave Newcastle United is no secret - but joining Tottenham Hotspur would seem bizarre.

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Even the most rose-tinted Newcastle United fan likely accepted that Sandro Tonali would leave this summer. As it stands, his hefty price tag - around £85million - appears the only hurdle keeping potential suitors at bay.

The team were struggling. Speculation was rife. His agent, Beppe Riso, had briefed journalists multiple times to pimp him out to every club in Europe.

But it was his comments in a mixed zone - following the 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao at the back end of last year - that left a knot in your stomach. Those present can attest to the mood shift. It felt like the moment Tonali hinted that his future lay away from St James' Park.

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“This is a tough question because, you know, (in) football you need to think year for year,” he responded when asked if he will stay at Newcastle. I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years (or) five years I will go.

“I want to think, just for me, year for year. This is football. The last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football. If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything.”

After the project-damaging Alexander Isak saga last year, Newcastle's hierarchy and supporters are perhaps more resigned to the reality of elite talent moving on. Anthony Gordon provided a perfect example. Could anyone begrudge the 25-year-old leaving a club that finished 12th to don the deep blue and garnet of Barcelona?

Likewise, if Tonali left in an amicable manner, the Magpies could wish him well after two - yes, not three - years of service. Arsenal and Manchester City were the destinations most frequently linked with the Italian earlier this year, while a return to Serie A appeared financially unrealistic.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are now the ones pushing for his signature - and that would not sit right. It is understood that Tonali views a move to London as attractive to his family.

But at what cost? On which footballing metric would a move to the club that finished 17th in consecutive seasons make logical sense?

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They are Newcastle's direct rivals - another club striving to establish itself beyond English football's established elite. That is precisely why this potential transfer would leave such a bizarre taste.

Is it a case of “anyone but Newcastle” for Tonali this summer? If so, what exactly have the Magpies done to him? This is a club that rallied behind him during his darkest hour - a gambling scandal that could have easily seen his career crumble on the scrapheap.

Isak’s exit evoked anger and a sense of betrayal. Gordon was given a reluctant blessing. For Tonali, if Tottenham were to be his next destination, disappointment would be the overriding emotion.

Fabrizio Romano delivers fresh Sandro Tonali transfer update - brutal for Newcastle United

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Fabrizio Romano delivers fresh Sandro Tonali transfer update - brutal for NUFC - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this week.

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Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali wants to join Tottenham Hotspur, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs have made a move for the Italian midfielder after surviving relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2025/26 season at West Ham United’s expense.

Despite successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League and no European football, Spurs are plotting a major summer recruitment drive under Roberto De Zerbi.

After striking a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion worth a reported £52million, Spurs are plotting another big-money move for another established Premier League star in Tonali.

Italian transfer expert Romano has claimed Tonali ‘wants to go to Tottenham’ after conversations took place between the London club and his representatives. But no official approach has been made to Newcastle for the player.

NewcastleWorld understands Tonali is open to leaving Newcastle this summer with his preference being to join a London club. Spurs’ rivals Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano delivers Sandro Tonali update - ‘keen on the move’

Speaking on YouTube, Romano reported that there would be no issues over personal terms for Tonali in agreeing a deal to join Spurs but any move would be dependent on Newcastle’s financial demands.

“So first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali's camp,” Romano said. “Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham and so he's keen on the move and I don't think it's going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract.

“Also because the connection with De Zerbi is very clear. They are both from Brescia, same city, so the connection is very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations.

“Then the price is going to be the point, let's see. I think the expectation is going be around €100million [£86.5million], maybe something more as initial request and then let's see the conversation.

“But De Zerbi is pushing and so let's wait for the club-to-club negotiation, but Tottenham are in it.”

Should Spurs or any club be willing to table an offer in excess of £85million this summer, Newcastle are unlikely to stand in Tonali’s way.

Fabrizio Romano delivers shock Sandro Tonali Newcastle United transfer update as Arsenal watch on

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'Ready' - Fabrizio Romano delivers shock Sandro Tonali Newcastle United transfer update as Arsenal watch on - Shields Gazette
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The latest Newcastle United transfer talk as Sandro Tonali is linked with a shock move to a Premier League rival.

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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."

Newcastle United and Spurs monitor Man Utd outcast with 'no interest' in Old Trafford return

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

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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 & Leeds United caught up in huge Premier League relegation battle with Spurs & West Ham

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NUFC & Leeds caught up in huge Premier League relegation battle - here's how - Shields Gazette
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Newcastle United will play a major part in the Premier League relegation battle between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United this weekend.

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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.

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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.

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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.

West Ham boost as Newcastle United reveal injury concern - Tottenham Hotspur watch on

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

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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”.

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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.

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“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.”

Newcastle United, Spurs and Brighton 'position themselves' in race for France Under

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Newcastle United, Spurs and Brighton 'position themselves' in race for €15m-rated France Under-21 star - Shields Gazette
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The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.

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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’.

Eddie Howe has delivered most alarming Newcastle United verdict yet as Spurs relegation comparison made

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.