Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Sunday, March 26.
Newcastle told Real Madrid 'dilemma' could open door to £8m transfer for striker who Liverpool like
There are 12 Premier League matches remaining in what could prove to be a memorable campaign for Newcastle United. European football and even a Champions League spot could yet be secured in a season where Eddie Howe's side made their first domestic cup final appearance at Wembley for more than two decades.
However, early hints are already emerging over the Magpies' plans for the second summer transfer window under the new owners. Frontline recruits are again expected to be on the agenda, given the January departure of Chris Wood and the struggles for goals at various stages of the season.
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Record signing Alexander Isak's recent impressive displays suggest Howe could already have his leading marksman for the foreseeable future. Callum Wilson has struggled since the World Cup break, but has still netted seven times this season and has been the club's top scorer in the previous two seasons.
Meet the Newcastle talent out of 'comfort zone' who stands by bold 'dream' after Saudi 'boost'
It was little over a year ago that Joe White ended speculation over his Newcastle United future by signing a new three-year contract. The highly-rated young Magpies playmaker had become frustrated with life in limbo between the first-team and the academy, but cited Eddie Howe as the 'biggest factor' behind agreeing to extend his deal.
The announcement came during White's first taste of senior football, having joined Hartlepool United on loan in January of last year. The creative midfielder made his professional debut at a Premier League stadium, coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Crystal Palace.
By the time his new contract expires in the summer of 2025, White confidently outlined his goal of becoming an established member of Newcastle's star-studded senior squad. The former England youth international went on to register 16 appearances with Hartlepool, but the first year of his extended deal has been far from 'plain sailing'.
The forgotten man who almost smashed Newcastle's transfer record is now without a club
Nicolai Jorgensen is a name that was once synonymous with frustration and epitomised life under Mike Ashley's Newcastle United ownership. Rafa Benitez was keen on bringing in a forward to ease their fears of relegation back in the January transfer window of 2017/18.
At the time, Dwight Gayle had struggled to recreate the form that had propelled Newcastle to the Championship title, while new arrival Joselu also endured a torrid time in front of goal. Feyenoord wanted £20million for Jorgensen which would have made him Newcastle's record signing at the time, but a move to Tyneside wouldn't transpire.
The Magpies had bids for the Danish international rebuffed and instead opted to sign Islam Slimani on loan, much to the frustration of the black and white faithful. Jorgensen was one of the hottest talents in Dutch football having taken the Eredivisie by storm after joining Feyenoord from FC Copenhagen in the summer of 2016.
'I still can’t believe it!' Joselu in 'euphoria' as former Newcastle United flop scores twice on Spain debut
Joselu’s stunning transformation continued as he bagged a brace against Norway on his Spain debut. Years of toil are finally paying off for the 32-year-old, who is enjoying a fine season at Espanyol.
The Spaniard is joint third in the La Liga goalscoring charts, netting 12 in 22 appearances to earn an international call-up. Joselu had rebuilt his career in Spain following an underwhelming spell in England.
Arriving at Stoke City in 2015, Joselu came with pedigree having been on the books at Real Madrid and impressing in Germany. But the 6ft 4in forward would struggle to cement a regular first-team spot and Newcastle United took a £5million punt on him two years later.
Alexander Isak battling Newcastle United teammates for monthly award after goal-laden return
Three Newcastle United players are battling to be named the club’s Player of the Month for March, with Alexander Isak, Fabian Schar and Joe Willock needing your votes to claim the award.
Isak’s return to the scoresheet has inspired a resurgence from United, with two wins on the bounce against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest ensuring the club remains in the driving seat for Champions League football next season.
It threatened to be a tricky month for Eddie Howe’s men, with the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City at the start of March adding to a five-match winless run that threatened to derail Newcastle’s top four push.
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