Newcastle United

There are just three days left in the January transfer window, so here's your latest round-up of the best Newcastle United transfer gossip to drop so far:

• The Magpies will go up against Everton for the signature of Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller, with both clubs interested in the 32-year-old during the January transfer window. Muller is approaching the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga side. (Sportbild, via Star), external

• Newcastle are seeking further striker reinforcements and are in talks with Arsenal for Eddie Nketiah. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

• A £30m deal for Lyon's 24-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been completed. (Talksport), external

• Speaking of midfielders, Newcastle are among a number of Premier League clubs who have been linked with Tottenham's 25-year-old England international Dele Alli. (Mail), external

• Meanwhile, Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is a target for a loan move until the end of the season. (Football.london), external

You can also get all the best transfer chat via our gossip column here and track every done deal throughout January here.

How do you feel about Newcastle's January business? Have your say here.

Catch up with all the latest transfer news by tuning into BBC Radio 5 Live's Transfer Gossip Daily podcast on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Eddie Howe says "the work has been immense" but bemoaned a frustrating transfer window so far for Newcastle United.

The Magpies have been linked with a host of players following their takeover, but so far have only been able to complete deals for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

"This window has been difficult," he said at a news conference in Saudi Arabia, where Newcastle are warm-weather training.

"It has been tough to get a clear decision from other clubs. Add Covid into the mix and the league position - it's been a challenge."

Howe confirmed they are close to sealing a third new signing, believed to be Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon, adding: "If we can get this deal over the line, we'll be in a lot better place. The work has been immense and I hope it bears fruit."

With the window closing on Monday, Howe is expecting there to be more activity at St James' Park.

"I don't imagine this would be the end of our interest in bringing new players in," he said. "Things change very, very late in this window and it can be quite unpredictable."

Who should Newcastle focus on in the last few days of the window? Let us know

Alastair Magowan, BBC Sport

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media from Saudi Arabia before Newcastle’s friendly with Al-Ittihad FC this evening.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Newcastle are "close to getting a transfer over the line" - and that is believed to be Bruno Guimaraes. Howe confirmed that would not be the end of Newcastle’s activity: "I don't imagine that that would be the end of our interest in bringing in new players."

• Howe said that he met Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) governor and Newcastle chair Yasir Al Rumayyan: "That was a great experience to hear his thoughts on the club, on his vision and how the future looks. I enjoyed that and I think the players enjoyed that. A lot of people around the PIF team have been here as well."

• Howe deflected questions about criticism of the trip and said he hadn't had time to learn more about culture.

• He also said players had been on trips to the sand, go-karting and other bonding activities.

• The game tonight against a local side will only be 70 minutes.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle need a couple more signings in January to secure their safety, according to Magpies fan Daniel Wales from the True Faith fanzine and podcast.

When asked if the current squad is good enough to stay up without any new additions this transfer window, he said: "I think under the previous management with a squad with no signings coming in, that was a squad that was destined to go down.

"Just the way they were playing, the way they had no tactical awareness, there just seemed to be no coherence or fluidity on the pitch and they seemed destined for the Championship.

"I’m not saying Eddie Howe has come in and set the world on fire but there has been little visual improvements here and there. We’ve won a couple of games which is more than we did at the start of the season. There have been some bad performances and I’m not doubting that.

"Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are great signings and I think will improve the side. At the moment I think it will be very tight whether we stay up or go down with this current squad if no more players were to come in.

"If we want to secure our safety I think one or two more need to come in. I still am of the opinion that there are three worse sides than Newcastle in the league, but it would still be tight."

Hear more on Newcastle's transfer window from 16'00 on BBC Sounds

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Jesse Lingard's proposed move to Newcastle would be worth every penny of the £12m wanted by Manchester United if the Magpies avoid relegation, according to Miguel Delaney, chief football writer at The Independent.

The move looks set to collapse because of the financial demands of the Old Trafford club.

When asked if Newcastle's transfer window has been quieter than he expected, Delaney said: "I’m not that surprised because one of the issues is they have too much money.

"The Jesse Lingard story is indicative of the whole situation. The reason that deal hasn’t happened is because Manchester United have set such a high bonus for that deal to go through.

"So if Newcastle stay up and they sign Lingard, they have to pay Manchester United £12m. That’s what Manchester United want which is huge.

"Everyone knows how much money Newcastle have and he is a player that is better than a club being involved in a relegation battle. There is a fair chance that if Lingard went there he could keep Newcastle up on his own.

"He could score the goals they need and if that’s the case then that signing is worth a lot more than £12m. It’s really worth £100m.

"Everyone knows what Newcastle can become with this money. Ultimately they are one of Manchester United’s future competitors, so why would Manchester United or any club make it easy for them?"

Hear more on Newcastle's transfer window from 16'00 on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign 24-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon for £30m. (Talksport), external

Ashley Young has turned down a move to Newcastle United, with the 36-year-old English player wanting to stay at Villa Park. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Newcastle defender Fabian Schar says Saturday’s victory against Leeds set the minimum standard for the rest of the season as Eddie Howe’s side fight to stay in the Premier League.

Schar is currently in Saudi Arabia on a mid-season training camp with his Newcastle team-mates and believes that sustaining those performance levels is the only way they can get out of trouble.

“I think the Leeds game showed that we are strong as a team,” he told NUFC TV. “We have to do it every game, the same mentality, the same intensity.”

The win moved Newcastle to within one point of safety and Schar admits it was well timed coming before the winter break.

“The confidence is much higher than before," he added. "It would be more difficult if we didn’t have these three points but with the win, it’s definitely more enjoyable.

“With the way we played, we know what we’re able to do. But there’s still plenty of work to do.”

What business can Newcastle achieve before the transfer window closes on Monday? Have your say here

Which players should you bring into your fantasy football teams ahead of a possible double gameweek?

Alistair Bruce-Ball, Chris Sutton and the Statman Dave bring you the answer - and much more - in this week's Fantasy 606 podcast.

Being the international break you've got plenty of time to ponder your selections - you have until 18:15 GMT on 8 February until the deadline.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Newcastle's approach to transfers has become "scattergun" and "chaotic", according to the Telegraph's Luke Edwards as the transfer window enters its final days.

Eddie Howe has signed Kieran Tripper and Chris Wood so far in January but, despite links to a multitude of players, has not been able to close a deal in the past two weeks.

"I'm a bit worried about Newcastle," Edwards said on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast. "They've failed to get a number of players and haven't closed a difficult deal yet.

"They keep getting close but nothing happens and the pressure is really on."

Edwards also says there is frustration at the club about the inability to get more players in to help their survival bid.

"There is tension behind the scenes. If Newcastle reach the end of the window and have not got the players they need, they could easily go down."

Who is a realistic target for Newcastle at this stage? Give us your views

Listen to all of today's transfer gossip on BBC Sounds

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Lyon's Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes would be a bargain at £30m for Newcastle, according to French football expert Julien Laurens.

The Magpies have lodged a bid and hope to finalise the deal before transfer deadline day on Monday.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Euro Leagues podcast, Laurens said: "It’s big for a few reasons.

"It’s big because he’s an excellent player. He’s a very intelligent, very aware, very classy, very elegant defensive midfielder who will dictate the pace of the game. I love this player and think he’s going to be fantastic with the right team around him.

"It’s big because I still think £30m is an absolute bargain. I’m not sure why Lyon are accepting this offer and why he has accepted to have talks with Newcastle. Not because Newcastle is not a big club.

"The money is four times what he is on now. When you earn £25,000 a week and you go straight to £100,000 a week at your age when you’ve just moved to Europe is pretty significant.

"If Newcastle can get him he’s an absolutely amazing signing for them. For him it’s a new adventure, very different to anything he’s known before in Brazil and in France. He will go from a team that is fighting to finish in the Champions League places in France and a top team that plays that level with players around him of this calibre as well, to a team that is fighting not to go down.

"I don’t know how he will respond to that on the pitch when the next game he has to go and be in a dog fight to just get a point because every point matters now. Good on him if he accepts and it seems from the latest that he is keen on going."

Hear more on Newcastle's pursuit of Guimaraes from 22'50 on BBC Sounds

Newcastle will go up against Everton for the signature of Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller, with both clubs interested in the 32-year-old during the January transfer window. Muller is approaching the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga side. (Sportbild - via Star), external

Meanwhile, the Magpies have resumed talks to sign Dutch full-back Mitchel Bakker from Bayer Leverkusen. (90min), external

Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has told the club he wants to move to St James' Park, with a bid made for the 24-year-old Brazilian. (L'Equipe), external

Newcastle are also targeting Napoli's 23-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who is valued at £60m. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

However, Brighton have rejected an offer from the Magpies for defender Dan Burn. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Derby day, there's nothing quite like it.

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will return in the spring with their latest series of the BBC Sounds hit the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast, ranking their top 10s from an assortment of topics across the Premier League era.

One of those subjects will be derbies and we're giving you an early chance to get involved, by letting you pick your top three, with the trio seeing your choices before they record the pod.

Newcastle v Sunderland

The statistical balance between these two sides is very even. To date, having played 155 times in the three major competitions (including a two-legged promotion play-off in 1990), Newcastle have won on 53 occasions, Sunderland have won 53 and the sides have drawn 50 times.

"Here if you make a good tackle you're applauded almost as if you've scored a goal. It's almost like playing a game on the street," said ex-Sunderland and Inter Milan midfielder Yann M'Vila, who reckoned the fixture had a better atmosphere than the Milan derby.

The last time these two teams met was in 2016 but could the Tyne & Wear derby be coming back sooner than we think?

Have your say on the best Premier League derbies, past and present

Bruno Guimaraes would be a "spectacular signing" for Newcastle, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.

The Magpies have reportedly made an offer for the 24-year-old Lyon central midfielder.

Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily on BBC Sounds, Ornstein said: "There’s a big story developing at Newcastle in addition to their pursuit of Jesse Lingard - and that is Bruno Guimaraes.

"He’s very creative and very coveted by a lot of clubs. We’ve seen the likes of Arsenal linked with him heavily in recent times.

"He’s Brazilian, he’s got a good age and technical profile. I’ve spoken to people around this situation and they say he was Newcastle’s top midfield target and he is everything Eddie Howe wants.

"At this point in the market you need to move quickly and that is what they have done by the looks of it. They have made an offer that is to the valuation reportedly 40m euros that Lyon were looking for and we’re told the player is keen to join Newcastle.

"If they pull that off, and it’s an if as to my knowledge the bid hasn’t been accepted yet and there’s still a bit of work to do, then it would potentially be a spectacular signing. He’s so highly rated."

Hear more on the latest transfer rumours on BBC Sounds

Jesse Lingard's proposed loan move to Newcastle is on the brink of collapse because the Magpies are unwilling to pay the loan fee Manchester United are demanding.

As things stand, the deal is off, but the Athletic's David Ornstein says there is still plenty of time for things to change.

Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily on BBC Sounds, he said: "Although it feels like there are only a few days to go, there are many hours in those days and things can change incredibly quickly.

"Jesse Lingard initially wanted to stay at Manchester United until the end of the season and fight his way back into Ralf Rangnick’s plans.

"It’s a World Cup year of course so that’s in the forefront of his mind. There’s very little sign that he’s going to enjoy much game time and he’s barely played at all.

"Therefore with Newcastle coming in very strongly for him with what I’m sure will be a very lucrative offer, and the England game time in mind and the chance of re-establishing himself in Gareth Southgate’s plans made him think ok, we’ll do this.

"On Tuesday he did have a conversation with Ralf Rangnick on the phone and he gave him his blessing to join Newcastle or to leave on loan.

"But Manchester United and Newcastle need to agree terms and the loan fee that Manchester United want is what many would feel is extremely high and Newcastle aren’t prepared to meet that.

"So unless Manchester United change their stance or Newcastle come up to that level, then it’s off."

Hear more on the latest transfer rumours on BBC Sounds

Jesse Lingard's proposed loan move to Newcastle is on the brink of collapse because the Magpies are unwilling to pay the loan fee Manchester United are demanding for the 29-year-old England forward. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Newcastle will not be signing Brazilian defender Diego Carlos as Sevilla have decided to keep the 28-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano), external but the Magpies have made an offer of around £30m for Lyon and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 24. (Daily Mail), external

Newcastle are among a number of Premier League clubs who have been linked with Tottenham's Dele Alli. (Mail), external

However, the club look likely to miss out on Atalanta midfielder Robin Gosens as Juventus are set to sign the 27-year-old Germany international. (Goal), external

Eddie Howe is interested in signing Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno on loan until the end of the season with the German international pushing for a move away from the Emirates. (Football.london), external

Meanwhile, Newcastle are monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Brennan Johnson, but Brentford have made an increased offer for the Welshman. (Independent), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

A new series of the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast is just around the corner - and we want you to get involved in the panel's selections.

Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker will return in the spring but they have narrowed down their selections and would like your suggestions on who they've picked.

Today's topic is the top 10 set-piece takers and a Newcastle legend is on the list.

Alan Shearer: Of all the dead-ball specialists to have graced the Premier League over the years, few were as reliable from 12 yards as Newcastle's record goalscorer.

The former England striker was lethal from the spot, combining power and precision to score 56 penalties for Blackburn Rovers and the Magpies. His approach was no different outside box, hammering home seven direct free-kicks - the majority of which were in the net before the opposition goalkeeper had the chance to react.

He could also be lethal from an indirect free-kick, as fans of Sunderland, West Brom and Manchester United will testify.

Have your say on the three best set-piece takers to play in the Premier League

Image source, Getty Images

Norman Riley, True Faith NUFC fanzine and podcast, external

Newcastle United won their second game of the season with a battling display away at Leeds. Although Leeds might have looked the more dangerous side for most of the first half, Newcastle’s confidence grew as the game wore on and, after scoring, looked more likely to get a second than concede an equaliser.

Fabian Schar and Martin Dubravka put in huge performances, while substitute Javier Manquillo nullified Raphinha’s threat and changed Newcastle’s dynamic on the left. His superb run won the free-kick from which Jonjo Shelvey scored the winner. Eddie Howe’s decision to bring Joe Willock into the starting XI was excellent as his energy and ability to move around the pitch rapidly was vital against a fit Leeds side who do not slow up.

The win is a huge psychological lift. Coming after the demoralising draw at home to Watford, which left many of us convinced relegation was certain, the win lifted Newcastle to third bottom, only one point behind 17th-placed Norwich with two games in hand.

Even better is that we now have the opportunity to move within one point of fifth-bottom Everton should Howe’s lads manage to beat the currently managerless and faltering Toffees in the first game back after the Premier League’s winter mini-break.

The future of Yves Bissouma is "really intriguing", according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, with Newcastle reportedly preparing a bid for the Brighton midfielder.

Bissouma has 18 months left on his contract at the Amex and appears unwilling to sign an extension, leading to suggestions Graham Potter may be willing to cash in.

"I haven't heard his name mentioned at Newcastle but I suspect they've been encouraged by the contract situation," Edwards said on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast.

"Brighton have a decision to make. If they sell him now, they will get top whack for him - but if they let it run another six months, they will get less.

"I think they could be tempted if a bid of £40m or £50m is tabled."

Newcastle fans, what do you think of Bissouma? Who should the Magpies be chasing? Get involved

Brighton supporters, should you take the money and let Bissouma leave? Who should come in instead? Let us know

Listen to all today's transfer gossip on BBC Sounds