Here are your top Newcastle United headlines for January 16.
Bruno injury latest
Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes' ankle roll looks horrific when slowed down with the scene of the Brazilian on crutches and wearing a protective boot not good after the 1-0 win over Fulham.
However, the midfielder was in slightly better spirits as he left St James' Park on Sunday night compared to just before half-time as he left the pitch in tears. Bruno celebrated with his team-mates in the dressing room and given he has never suffered this type of injury before, there is hope it won't be as long an absence as many feared.
The protective boot was a precaution and the player himself posted on Instagram that he hopes to be back soon. His injury, however, does bring up a cause for concern in the midfield area.
You can read the full story here.
Shearer's verdict
Alan Shearer has refused to throw Newcastle United in the mix for the title race and believes it will still be a miracle if they finish the season in the Champions League places.
The Toon moved back to third place in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Manchester United due to their superior goal difference, and closing the gap to second placed Manchester City.
Eddie Howe's side are just one point behind Pep Guardiola's outfit, but nine behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, having played a game more than all three of the aforementioned sides. Newcastle's win over Fulham and the Gunners' win over Tottenham saw the Magpies restore their five-point cushion to the Europa League places in fifth.
Like Shearer, the black and white faithful are more than happy to continue flying under the radar but the spotlight is beginning to shift onto the Magpies' genuine Champions League bid.
You can read the full story here.
Isak and ASM 'temptation'
Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin will be hopeful of returning to the Newcastle United starting XI after Eddie Howe admitted there is 'always temptation' to use players of their quality from the outset.
Both Isak and Saint-Maximin have returned from injury to find Newcastle on a fantastic run of form, with Howe subsequently reluctant to make too many changes to a winning side.
Speaking before Sunday's 1-0 win over Fulham, Howe admitted the consistency of his team means both attackers will have to settle for places on the bench at present. "There’s always temptation as they’re top quality players but we always wanted that consistency of selection that we feel has benefitted us this year," the Newcastle boss said.
You can read the full story here.
Chelsea's transfer strategy
When the £300m takeover of Newcastle United was finally given the green light, many believed the north east outfit would become a spending machine. Throwing money at top targets who would otherwise be pining for 'Big Six' teams, steamrolling their rivals to signings and buying their way to the top.
Instead, the Magpies' approach has been a tad more measured, with the club unwilling to pay over the odds and happy to walk away from any deals they aren't 100 per cent sure of. Of course, £200m has been spent since Eddie Howe's arrival, though the boss has tried to create a talented dressing room without superstars who believe they are bigger than the football club as a whole.
The club are benefitting from that approach, overachieving this term as they upset the Premier League apple cart at the first time of asking. With the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all failing to find their rhythm, the Premier League behemoths of old are reaching for their chequebooks to try and stop the rot.
Liverpool wasted no time forking out £40m on Cody Gakpo following a strong World Cup with the Netherlands, just weeks after Jurgen Klopp's comments regarding Newcastle having 'no ceiling' when it came to finances. While Antonio Conte will no doubt be asking for yet more north London additions after a derby day defeat that leaves his Spurs side five points and two places behind Newcastle.
Yet is is Chelsea who are making the headlines this month. With a seemingly scattergun, thoughtless approach to transfers, new American owner Todd Boehly is spending like Financial Fair Play doesn't exist for the west London side.
The Blues sit tenth in the Premier League despite an outlay of more than £300m on transfer fees across the 2022/23 campaign before the arrival of their latest addition - Mykhailo Mudryk.
You can read the full story here.
Bruno's 'dream'
Bruno Guimaraes is adamant Newcastle United 'can dream' of playing in next season's Champions League following a stunning start to the season. Alexander Isak's last-minute winner against Fulham on Sunday lifted the Magpies back to third in the Premier League at the halfway point of their campaign.
Eddie Howe's side have tasted defeat just once in the top-flight so far, and face relegation battlers Southampton later this month for a place in the Carabao Cup final. The Newcastle head coach has repeatedly stressed it is a matter of taking it one match at a time, but this form coupled with performances has led many to speculate what the club could achieve.
The Magpies are currently sweating over the fitness of Guimaraes, who was withdrawn at half-time of the televised victory over Fulham with an ankle injury. An extended spell on the sidelines for the Brazil international would leave Newcastle with only three central midfielders ahead of Saturday's visit to face Crystal Palace.
You can read the full story here.
Moukoko ultimatum
Bourissia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko has been given an ultimatum by the club's sporting director Sebastian Kehl. The Bundesliga chief says the club have made the young forward a very attractive offer to stay with Die Schwarzgelben as speculation mounts regarding his future.
The 18-year-old German international is out of contract with Dortmund this summer and has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, while Chelsea are also reportedly keen. Moukoko is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football, having made 59 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 12 goals in all competitions as a young age.
Tipped to be the future of German football, Moukoko is reportedly mulling over a fresh offer from the Bundesliga side, having turned down a previous offer. Chronicle Live understands Newcastle are keen on signing the youngster as a free agent in the summer.
You can read the full story here.
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