A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Friday, 30 September.
Former Newcastle talent keen to prove Magpies 'mistake' has a 'point to prove' ahead of reunion
Kevin Mbabu has not been shy in outlining his desire to prove Newcastle United made a 'mistake' letting him go. The full-back made just five senior appearances before the Magpies decided to cut their losses and allowed the academy graduate to return to his native Switzerland.
Six years on from his Newcastle exit, Mbabu is back in the Premier League and could face his former employers for the first time at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Fulham have made a fine start to life back in the top-flight, and Marco Silva's side will be hoping to take advantage of an injury crisis which will likely see the Magpies deprived of several key stars.
Injuries hampered Mbabu's start to life at St James' Park after signing in 2013, and the former Servette prospect would not make a single start during a loan spell at Rangers. A temporary spell at Gateshead was mooted, but before long the full-back found himself catapulted into the senior setup.
'He had offers' - Eddie Howe details first Garang Kuol meeting as work permit boost emerges
Eddie Howe admits Garang Kuol had various other offers on the table before signing for Newcastle United on Friday. The Australian sensation, 18, will stay with Central Coast Mariners before officially joining the Magpies in January 2023.
Kuol has only been on the scene a short amount of time but wasted no time catching the eye of the footballing world with his impressive performances Down Under. His cameo appearance against Barcelona in the summer certainly put the teenager on the map.
Howe admits he met with Kuol earlier this week and is confident the new addition can have a bright future at Newcastle after opting to sign for the north east outfit over other interested parties.
The reality of Eddie Howe ever swapping Newcastle United for England any time soon
Eddie Howe is cool and composed whenever he is asked about the prospect of one day becoming England manager.
For a start, there is already somebody in the job and even finishing bottom of the UEFA Nations League and dropping into League B has not really altered the stance of the FA. Even in the direct aftermath of the 4-0 hammering by Hungary in Wolverhampton in June when fans turned viciously on Gareth Southgate, his position was still relatively safe.
And even if England don't have a great World Cup in Qatar there is a reasonable chance that he is still in charge for the next Euros in Germany in summer 2024. Unless England win either tournament or make a final or two, 2024 seems like a natural exit point for Southgate.
Newcastle and Eddie Howe will have 'no worries' despite Nick Pope's England 'error'
Eddie Howe will have no concerns over Nick Pope despite the goalkeeper's error while on international duty for England. That is the view of ChronicleLive columnist Lee Clark, after Newcastle United's number one was at fault for Germany's late equaliser at Wembley.
Pope's fine form for the Magpies since his summer move from Burnley saw him given the nod over Arsenal's shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale for the clashes with Italy and Germany. The 30-year-old was unable to prevent Giacomo Raspadori's winner for the hosts in Milan, and he was beaten a further three times in the home draw with Germany.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Kai Havertz doubled this advantage with a long-range stunner, only for the Three Lions to turn the tie on its head with three goals in 12 minutes. However, just as Gareth Southgate's side were closing in on a vital victory, Pope spilled Serge Gnabry's dipping effort and presented Havertz with a simple tap-in to seal a 3-3 draw.
Fulham boss Marco Silva drops Aleksandar Mitrovic injury hint ahead of Newcastle United reunion
Fulham boss Marco Silva appeared to hint Aleksandar Mitrovic is fit to face Newcastle United after images emerged of the Serbia striker with a bandage strapped around his foot on international duty. The former Magpies forward featured in both of his country's games over the break as they earned Nations League promotion following wins over Sweden and Norway.
However, after notching in Tuesday's 2-0 win against the latter, Mitrovic left the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo with strapping around his right ankle. The 28-year-old is said to have suffered a slight knock in the first group game against Sweden before soldiering on for a further 90 minutes against Erling Haaland's Norway.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Silva hinted Mitrovic will be available to face his former club at Craven Cottage this weekend. "He doesn't need to play against Newcastle to be motivated," the Portuguese coach said.
Garang Kuol hopes to realise dream of many Australians as reason for Newcastle United move explained
Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol is excited at the prospect of potentially realising many Australian youngsters’ dream by playing in the Premier League. Kuol completed his move to the Magpies on Friday morning after a long race for his signature.
The 18-year-old – who made his senior debut for Australia last week – will return to Central Coast Mariners for the remainder of 2022 and link up with his new teammates in January. Kuol is also one of Australia’s most highly rated young talents and featured in the 2022 A-League All Stars team that faced Barcelona in front of over 70,000 supporters earlier this year.
Speaking to nufc.co.uk after sealing his move, Kuol detailed some of the reasons why he opted for a move to Newcastle ahead of other clubs, as well as his excitement of playing in the Premier League.
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