Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Friday, 11 February 2022.
Gosens on Newcastle links
Inter Milan defender Robin Gosens has revealed he was close to joining Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
Gosens was heavily linked with a move to the Magpies from Atalanta last month, with Eddie Howe keen on recruiting a left back.
However, Gosens instead made the move to fellow Serie A side Inter as negotiations between Newcastle and Atalanta continued to drag out.
He said: "Many assumed that [a move to Newcastle was on]," Gosens said to Sky, via the Daily Express.
"Except myself. That was already real, the negotiations were also far. Only without the fact that I said yes.
"And then came Inter. The entire transfer actually took place within 48 hours.”
First starts for Burn and Guimaraes?
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is pondering whether to hand January signings Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes their first starts against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Burn was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Everton, while Guimaraes entered the field in the first minute of stoppage time.
The £13 million arrival from Brighton could deputise for the ineligible Matt Targett at left back and Guimaraes could come in if Howe decides to rotate his midfield.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "Dan Burn is an option for us and it's great that I've got a couple of options in that position.
"Manquillo has done really well at left-back - he came on against Leeds and made a huge impact.
"He's [Guimaraes] ready to play.
"He's shown all the technical qualities that we love about him in training already but it's a case of managing the group and making sure I make the right selections.
"I thought the midfield balance against Everton was really good."
Click here to read the rest of the team news, including an update on Kieran Tripper’s fitness.
Villa team news
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has delivered mixed news on the injury front for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United.
In-form January signing Philippe Coutinho will be fit for Villa, however Emi Buendia is a doubt after picking up a heavy knock to his hip in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
The South American duo both limped off in the second half against the Whites, with Buendia replaced just before the hour mark by Carney Chukwuemeka and Coutinho withdrawn 12 minutes from time by Ashley Young due to cramp.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Gerrard said: "Phil Coutinho's fine. He got a bit of cramp in a few different areas, and he tired a lot – he gave a lot to the game. In terms of being available for Newcastle, I’m sure he’ll be fine with a couple of recovery days.
"Emi Buendia's slightly different because he has had some contact, he had a big whack in his hip area which is really sore. He’s certainly a big doubt right now, but we’re hoping with some treatment and some good recovery days that maybe he’s got an outside chance.
"At the moment, he’s a serious doubt."
