Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Thursday, August 11.
Brighton preview
Newcastle United head to Brighton with the mood as good as it has been in years but face a tough test against an Albion side who beat Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.
The 2-1 win was fully deserved and could have been an even heavier score line for the Seagulls in the North-West. Now though they must show they can do it at the Amex Stadium.
And they will be facing a Newcastle side who play with no fear with a familiar 4-3-3 formation. Bruno Guimaraes pulls the strings in midfield and Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron provide the service for Callum Wilson.
Ramos race
Newcastle supporters are hoping to avoid a repeat of the Hugo Ekitike transfer saga that played out earlier this summer after links to Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos. The Magpies had the French forward on their transfer wish list since the takeover last year, but the youngster opted to move to PSG instead.
Now, reports are suggesting the two clubs could be set to do battle once more. Newcastle are reportedly set to make a £25million approach for Portuguese striker Ramos - but he's also a target for PSG, according to reports.
Isak revival?
Newcastle retain an interest in Alexander Isak but it remains to be seen whether the Magpies up their previous bid for the Sweden international.
An offer of around £40million was placed for the Real Sociedad star back in July but the bid didn't suit the La Liga club. Back then sources at Real Sociedad felt that a price closer to £50million was more appropriate.
Since then Newcastle have looked at the possibility of signing other strikers with Colombia striker Luis Muriel said to be on the shortlist. But the Atalanta forward is understood to be waiting for an approach from Juventus.
Owners search to boost transfer funds
Newcastle have launched a search for a commercial partnerships manager as the Magpies attempt to boost revenues in order to spend even more in the transfer market.
Eddie Howe , himself, admitted on Friday that Newcastle have not got the 'free rein' to 'sign who we want and pay extortionate fees' and the head coach does not believe the club will be in a position to do so for 'some period of time' because of Financial Fair Play. The club, therefore, need to increase revenues so, in turn, more money can be spent on new players and this is where the commercial partnerships manager will come in.
Newcastle ideally want to appoint someone who has knowledge of the 'Premier League/top European football marketplace in terms of sponsorship sales, existing partnerships and potential future opportunities in relation to specific brands and industries'. Languages are also seen as an advantage which, perhaps, hints at the foreign markets the club are attempting to break into.
Dubravka in demand
Newcastle could face a fight to keep Martin Dubravka with a warning that several Premier League clubs would be more than willing to take the goalkeeper. Dubravka started the first game of the season - the two-nil victory over Nottingham Forest - on the bench with new signing Nick Pope starting in goal.
Dubravka since signing for Newcastle in 2018 has made 130 appearances for the Magpies and was the first choice goalkeeper unless injured. Yet the arrival of Pope this summer has left question marks over Dubravka’s future.
