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George Bennett

Newcastle transfer gossip as Garang Kuol's coach says Australia U20 call-up 'detrimental' to his development

Here are your Newcastle United transfer rumours for Friday, October 7.

Kuol call up

Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery has warned that Garang Kuol's call-up to the Australia U20s could jeopardise his chances of featuring at the World Cup.

The 18-year-old, who has enjoyed an astronomical rise in Australia in the past six months, joined Newcastle from the Mariners on a pre-contract agreement last month. He made his international debut for Australia during the latest international break and was expected to star in the A-League.

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However, Kuol will travel with Australia U20s as they face a triple header in the Asian Cup qualifiers against Kuwait, India and Iraq respectively. Montgomery has protested the decision, which he believes could be 'detrimental' to his development.

"I find it really hard to understand," Montgomery told The Sydney Morning Herald. "For the kid, for his mentality, to make his debut for the Socceroos and then two days later find out he's playing in the under-20s.

"Taking them out of playing in the A-League competition, against men, is detrimental to his development. The only way they're going to get in [to the World Cup squad] is by playing first team football and performing."

Hayden impact

Ex-Norwich City striker Chris Sutton believes Isaac Hayden would have a similar impact to Oliver Skipp at Carrow Road if he was fit.

Hayden is yet to make an appearance for the Canaries since his loan switch from Newcastle in the summer due to a knee injury.

Skipp spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Norwich as they won the Championship title. The 22-year-old was a key figure in the heart of midfield and Sutton says Hayden could've also been a crucial cog in the system without his injury problems.

Sutton wrote in The Pink Un: "In a column over the summer, I spoke about how impressive it was that Norwich City had been able to convince Isaac Hayden to join them from Newcastle United.

"It is a shame for all parties that Hayden hasn't kicked a ball in anger this season owing to injury. His most recent setback would have served as another kick in the teeth.

“With his experience and quality, I believe he would have added a much-need injection of quality and emerged as a key player for Norwich at this stage of the campaign.

“Norwich were crying out for a defensive midfielder last season and Hayden would have been the player to make a substantial difference this season, perhaps even in the same way Oliver Skipp managed two years ago.”

Pulisic fear

Jamie Carragher is 'very worried' by Christian Pulisic's lack of game time ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The United States captain has started just once for the Blues this season and was left on the bench again as Chelsea won 3-0 against AC Milan on Wednesday.

Pulisic has been linked with Newcastle and Leeds United, while AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old.

Carragher told CBS Sports: "We haven’t seen much of him already and it’s early days for Graham Potter. Tuchel didn’t use him too much. The new manager, certainly during these early games, so I think it’s a little worrying for Americans, in terms of the World Cup.

“We are talking for England as well about getting players up to speed for the World Cup and it doesn’t seem like Pulisic is going to be at his best, in terms of fitness, energy, sharpness and rhythm going into the World Cup, so I think it’s very worrying for him."

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