Here are the Newcastle United evening headlines on Wednesday, April 26.
Eddie Howe assesses 'smart decisions' to be made in Newcastle United's summer transfer strategy
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe does not expect a major squad overhaul at St James' Park this summer - but admits that "smart decisions" must be made in the transfer window.
Howe's side look destined for Europe, and can close in on the Champions League places in the next few days with big games against Everton then Southampton to come. The prospect of dining at Europe's top table has led some pundits, including club legend Chris Waddle, to suggest improvements would have to be made if they finish in the top three or four.
As reported by Chronicle Live this week, Howe wants to retain the identity of his squad next season. Indeed Howe underlined how important number 9 Callum Wilson is in the build-up to the trip to Everton.
Bruno Guimaraes plays down ankle injury and demands Newcastle United do one thing in run-in
Bruno Guimaraes has played down talk of his concerning ankle injury as Newcastle United prepare to head for Goodison Park to face Everton on Thursday night.
The classy Brazil international initially suffered the knock at home to Fulham back in January and has since endured a few nasty bangs on the ankle since. Eddie Howe admitted in the build up to the game it remains a slight concern but Bruno feels fighting fit for the Merseyside encounter.
Bruno said: “I don't want to speak about my ankle, it's nothing and I will be ready for the next game."
Read what Bruno had to say here.
Sean Dyche's verdict on Anthony Gordon's Everton return ahead of Newcastle United clash
Sean Dyche is confident Everton will not 'get caught up in any noise' as Anthony Gordon prepares to make his first return to Goodison Park since joining Newcastle United. The Toffees academy graduate left in January in acrimonious circumstances, and is expected to receive a hostile reception on Thursday night.
Eddie Howe has backed Gordon to handle the occasion in front of the BT Sport cameras, insisting the forward does not have 'anything to prove' to his former fans. The mid-season transfer preceded Dyche's time in the Goodison Park hotseat, and the Everton boss has been quick to downplay the narrative surrounding the 22-year-old's return.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "I don't see why they'd get caught up in any noise around it, I certainly won't because it was before my time here, I don't know much about it."
Goodison Park clash can be like 'home game' for Newcastle United despite Gordon return
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe believes that the 3,000 strong Toon Army heading to Merseyside have the power to make it feel like a "home game" at Goodison Park.
The United fanbase have taken over a host of Premier League grounds and London for the weekend during the Carabao Cup final. And now they head to the blue end of Stanley Park knowing their side could put a nine-point gap between themselves and Tottenham Hotspur.
In a game in which Everton fans will have a hot reception lined up for Anthony Gordon - who left in January for £45million - Howe must consider whether to field the youngster at his old stamping ground. When asked if Everton fans risk draining their energy on one player rather than supporting their own relegation haunted team, Howe said he is more concerned with his own fans.
Newcastle United sweating on the fitness of key man ahead of Everton trip with Lascelles on standby
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he will have to make a late call on Switzerland international Fabian Schar ahead of the trip to Everton.
Schar came off early in the 6-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur with a hamstring problem and is still undergoing assessment. That would leave Howe with a decision to make at the heart of defence with Jamaal Lascelles in contention to replace him.
Howe said: "Fab is one we have to check on and make a late call. Bruno should be fine. We have a couple of other knocks."
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