It has been another busy week at Newcastle, despite the ongoing international break, as they prepare to travel to Brighton on Saturday. A mixed start to the campaign has followed after the dramatic Alexander Isak fall-out, but the Magpies are beginning to take shape once again after back-to-back wins over Nottingham Forest and Union SG.
Beyond the trip to the south coast is the backdrop of Eddie Howe’s transfer plans. Much was made of Newcastle’s business, incomings and outgoings, over the summer and that is unlikely to change as new sporting director Ross Wilson ramps up his plans for the future. Here, Express Sport takes a look at the latest Newcastle news…
Elliott Anderson return update
It is public record that Newcastle did not want to sell Elliott Anderson to Nottingham Forest, but their hands were forced due to Profit & Sustainability Rules. And that decision has come back to bite them, with the midfielder now becoming an England regular and one of the breakout Premier League stars over the past year.
The Daily Mail claim that Anderson is certain to feature on a long list of targets for next summer, in what would be a sensational return to St James’ Park.
Anderson has a very good relationship with Wilson, having worked with Newcastle’s new recruitment chief at Forest, and both he and Howe have a strong admiration for the 22-year-old.
Forest are undoubtedly desperate to hold onto their key man, however, after losing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle.
Newcastle closing in on transfer
Looking ahead to the future, Newcastle are set to beat Manchester United, Tottenham and Brighton to the signing of 14-year-old Barnsley starlet Josh Kenchington.
The centre-back has been dubbed the ‘next John Stones’ and has already represented England at Under-15 level.
Sky Sports claim that Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 plus significant bonuses for the youngster, after their initial bid of £275,000 was turned down.
Injury update
In the short term, Howe is set to be without a number of key players for the trip to Brighton.
He confirmed that Yoane Wissa, who is yet to make his debut after a £55million summer transfer from Brentford, has suffered a PCL injury.
“Yoane saw a specialist again yesterday for a check-up on his knee,” Howe explained. “We probably think now it’ll be eight weeks rather than six. No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.”
Howe described Lewis Hall’s injury as “really minor” and there is optimism that the full-back will return before the injury break.
“The second scan was good news,” the head coach added. “There was a different scale, we hope he will be back before this international break. We hope he does not suffer ill effects.”