Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Friday, May 20.
Toon to open Howe contract talks over summer
Eddie Howe agreed a contract until 2024 when he was appointed as Steve Bruce’s replacement back in November. The job he has done in the months since has been nothing short of extraordinary as he taken Newcastle from the relegation zone to a potential top-half finish.
Other clubs will be aware of the job done by the 44-year-old and, for that reason, those in charge at St James’ Park might be wary of them coming knocking. According to the Daily Mail, negotiations over a new contract for Howe will begin in the summer in the next stage of the club’s rebuild.
Read more: Eddie Howe pays tribute to Newcastle United's unsung heroes as he ponders farewell appearances
News of an extension for the manager would be very well-received by the Toon Army given the impact he has had on Tyneside.
Howe makes final day ‘strongest team’ claim
While United have done more than enough to ensure they are safe heading into the final day, they will still have a huge bearing on which side will drop into the Championship. Howe’s side face his former employers Burnley at Turf Moor while Leeds – who are below the Clarets only on goal difference – travel to face Brentford.
When asked, in his pre-match press conference, how he will approach the last game of the season on Sunday, Howe said: “We will pick our strongest team and try to win the game.
“There’s no let up, tactically we will try to get it right. We know from previous experience that we need to be mentally right.”
Howe has made his aspirations of a top-half finish clear in recent weeks and, for that to happen, United must win as well as hope that Brighton lose and Brentford drop points.
Late call to be made on United trio ahead of Burnley visit
While Howe claimed he will pick his strongest team, he might be without a few players for the trip to Turf Moor. Fabian Schar, Chris Wood and Ryan Fraser are all doubts and Howe gave individual updates on each of the trio.
On Wood: “We will make a decision on Chris. As we said, it’s not a serious injury but we will see.”
On Schar, who was withdrawn early in the Arsenal win following a nasty head injury: “With Fabian we are following concussion protocols."
On Fraser, who returned from injury from the bench against the Gunners: “Ryan has a hamstring injury so we will see.”
