Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Bonucci 'talks' dismissed
Newcastle United have not held any talks with Italy and Juventus veteran Leonardo Bonucci. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff will certainly respect the 36-year-old given his glittering career but there have been no discussions on the 136-times capped Italy international. The centre-back is due to retire at the end of the season and there have been talks with Juve over him ending his time in Turin early.
But Chronicle Live has been told that no discussions took place with Newcastle and understandably the Magpies are looking at a younger centre-back to complement what they already have. There is no doubt that Howe and his backroom team are considering another defensive star for next season.
FULL STORY FROM LEE RYDER HERE
Al Hilal director
Newcastle United director Abdulmajid Alhagbani has also been named on the board of Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The director is listed as one of seven new directors at Al Hilal soon after the club was taken over by the Public Investment Fund - who also own the Magpies. PIF now have a 75% stake in Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr
Newcastle played Al Hilal during their short winter tour of Saudi Arabia and won 5-0 in Riyadh last December. But the move will further strengthen the link between Newcastle and the Middle East side.
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Harvey Barnes
Leicester City are playing hardball for a fee for Harvey Barnes with Newcastle United still interested in the England international with a price tag of £50million now being mooted.
But, like the James Maddison transfer saga, the Foxes are proving to be tough sellers for the 25-year-old. Newcastle are keen to follow up on their capture of Sandro Tonali after the Italian star arrived on Tyneside on Wednesday.
Barnes' deal with Leicester has two years left and there is also interest from Tottenham - who saw one bid rejected earlier in the summer - and West Ham. The Hammers are set for a cash boost after the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal and can offer Europa League action to Barnes.
However, Newcastle also feel they are in a good position and can offer Barnes a great deal and Champions League football.
