Newcastle United

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Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff says Eddie Howe's trust is the "biggest thing" behind his recent confident performances and that he is enjoying playing football after a change of "perspective".

The Magpies have won all six games that Longstaff has started this season, including fine performances in the last two against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

"The midfield group is really strong," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "When you look around it's all internationals. It's just about trying to bring my strengths to the team.

"I know the manager trusts me which is the biggest thing. No matter what anyone ever says, the fact he trusts me gives me the most confidence."

Longstaff had a gruelling 2023-24 season, playing 46 games in all competitions either side of an ankle problem, but believes the "burden" on him has been lifted slightly.

"It's funny," he said, "the season we qualified for the Champions League, I tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

"Then, last year there was games every three days and with lads being injured, I think the burden of trying to win every game can mean the enjoyment leaves a little bit.

"Turning 27, I'm thinking I've got a maximum of 10 years left playing football and my perspective has changed a little bit. I've had a little boy now too so I'm just trying to enjoy the games as much as I can and hopefully being a bit freer will help performances."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club but this week he's in the hotseat answering your questions.

Paul asked: Where do you think Newcastle’s support, and home match day atmosphere, ranks compared with other Premier League teams?

Nedum replied: Newcastle is a very, very tough place to go when there are good times are at the club. It is probably one of the toughest places in the country.

The crowd are really loud, they are right behind the team and they give it to the opposition. When you play in that environment - and the away fans are up in what feels like the highest point in England - it is very hard to get a hold of performances there.

It is usually wall to wall Newcastle fans and when the atmosphere is turned up there is a buzz within the city and in the stadium. That makes the players energised and it is reflected in their overall home record.

I think they like playing some of the bigger teams and having that underdog label because it allows them to play their football and get the crowd going. When that happens it is a really hard place to play.

There are stadia across the country that are like that but there is no where quite like Newcastle in the sense that they haven't won something in a long time but feel like they are a dominant side in football.

On the contrary, when Newcastle aren't playing well, fans will let their frustrations be heard. That is when it is becomes a bit easier for the opposition.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Newcastle and Liverpool are interested in 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo. (Sun)

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BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club but this week he's in the hotseat answering your questions.

Steve asked: Why are Newcastle considering selling Alexander Isak to raise the money to buy a top striker? Isn’t he a top striker, so why sell him?

Nedum replied: It is a good question because as far as the Premier League goes, he is up there in terms of strikers. He did very well last season and now that he is back from injury he looks set to get a few more goals as well.

I don't understand why they would sell one striker to bring in another but maybe there is more to it?

It could be a Profit and Sustainability Rules situation and in that case it would be a great shame to lose their top goal scorer because of that. Especially at a club like Newcastle, who are so proud of their number nines and strikers.

It doesn't make sense from a fan perspective or a true footballing perspective to sell him.

If this is what teams have to do to stay within the rules then it leads you to question the situation as a whole.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

After a mixed start to the season, Newcastle have quietly been picking up form and results in recent games.

The uptick has seen Eddie Howe's side get themselves back into the fight for European football next season as they sit just one point off third place in the league, while also progressing to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

But what is the one thing - good or bad - that isn't being talked about in relation to the Magpies right now?

Let us know here, external

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Newcastle are one of two clubs yet to drop a point from a winning position in the Premier League this season, along with leaders Liverpool. In fact, the Magpies have won their past 10 league matches in which they have led - their longest such run since 11 in a row from February to August 2006.

Newcastle have used fewer players (19) than any other side in the Premier League this season, while only Crystal Palace (four) have had fewer players score for them (excluding own goals) in the division than the Magpies' five.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak has scored in all three of his Premier League games against West Ham, netting twice in both meetings in 2023-24. No Newcastle player has scored more than one goal in three consecutive Premier League games against one team, while no player has ever done so against the Hammers.

Arsenal have made Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak their top attacking target, while the Magpies will consider Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lille's Jonathan David as replacements. (TeamTalk), external

The Magpies are also eyeing a move for 17-year-old Sporting and Portugal winger Geovany Quenda, but face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United. (Give Me Sport), external

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

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

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On Sunday against the Republic of Ireland, England had three Newcastle United players in a starting line-up for only the third time ever.

Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon, who have come through the England set-up, were selected by interim boss Lee Carsley to play at Wembley.

The last time three Magpies featured was in April 1997 when David Batty, Rob Lee and Alan Shearer played against Georgia.

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Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after scoring his first senior international goal for England on Sunday against the Republic of Ireland.

"It is better late than never, but it is about time!" joked the 23-year-old. "I’ve had some great chances but not been able to put them away.

"It was a good feeling to see it hit the net. I got to celebrate it with some of the lads I have come through the England set-up with. That made it a bit more special.

"I think Lee Carsley deserves a lot of credit. He fills us with so much confidence.

"I finally have a goal now, so hopefully there will be plenty to come."

For more England reaction listen to the Football Daily podcast

Newcastle United could look to sell forward Alexander Isak and use the money for a world-class replacement. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

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There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals Brentford, Fulham and Nottingham Forest in chasing Botafogo and Brazil striker Igor Jesus, 23. (TBR), external

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Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall says he is "lost for words" after making his England debut.

The 20-year-old was a half-time substitute in the Three Lions' win over Greece on Thursday after right-back Ezri Konsa was forced off by injury.

It was his first cap for the senior team having received his first call-up after establishing himself a regular for the Magpies this season.

"I wasn't really expecting to come on just because of the position that Ezri [Konsa] plays," Hall said.

"I think it was [performance coach] Chris Jones who told me and I couldn't quite believe him at first.

"It's amazing. I don't think it's fully sunk in yet, really."

The former Chelsea defender could make his first England start in Sunday's Wembley encounter with Republic of Ireland.

It is the final match before interim coach Lee Carsley hands over to new boss Thomas Tuchel - the man who gave the full-back his professional debut with the Blues.

"I'm just lost for words really," Hall added.

"Sometimes it's difficult in football to really understand what happens until [down the line].

"Everything happens so quickly they don't really get time to sit there and take it all in. At some point I'm going to have to do that, but I'm really happy for tonight.

"There's not many left-backs but I'm just trying to take everything game by game and keep trying to play well for England whenever I get the opportunity and keep playing well for Newcastle whenever I'm playing as well.

"If I continue to do that then I'll be in a good position."

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At 20 years and 67 days, Lewis Hall became the youngest Newcastle United player to appear for England in a competitive international since Jock Rutherford in April 1904 in a Home Nations match against Scotland (19 years and 180 days old).

In the latest Newcastle United podcast, the Total Sport team are joined by Kirk Spencer, co-chair of United with Pride, to explore the evolving relationship between the LGBT community and the Magpies.

They discuss the progress that has been made so far and areas where the club can still improve.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

With only four points separating third and 13th, we do not normally see that many teams in this type of mini league.

Normally, you might have the teams in a pack around the top four or five and then another pack underneath that with your relegation pack as well, so the fact there is so many teams in it at this stage is making it different.

From the mental side of competing in that, you look at Manchester United who have struggled so much this season and are sitting 13th. If they get a win, it can shoot them right up the table. They are in a position to think they are only a few points off the Champions League places' and that is good.

But it can work both ways.

Knowing the points are so close can keep you strong, keep you competing and have that competitiveness because you know a result can jump you up. But on the flipside, you could easily go from seventh down to 13th in one weekend or from third down to 10th.

How you deal with it depends on the manager, the players and also the psychologists within the group. Psychology in sport is really important for whether you see the situation as a positive or a negative.

Whether it stays like this all season is hard to say as there have been some really inconsistent performances and results. The most consistent team is the one sitting at the top.

I do not know what the rest of the campaign has in store for these sides because all the teams seem to be able to take points off each other this season.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

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BBC Radio Newcastle has produced a series of features this week about Wallsend Boys Club, which is celebrating the 120th anniversary of its formation this year.

The grassroots club has produced a host of top-flight footballers and England internationals over the years, including Peter Beardsley, Michael Carrick and Alan Shearer.

Former Newcastle and England striker Shearer said: "It really is a fabulous place and we are so lucky to have it in our area.

"It's such an environment that you feel as if you can express yourself, you feel comfortable in who and what you are, and you feel comfortable in trying things out.

"You feel at home. When you feel comfortable and happy, you're able to express yourself that much better."

Learn more about the history of Wallsend Boys Club

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Even though he is "proud" of what he has achieved in his career so far, Anthony Gordon says he will not just "sit back" and rest on that.

The Newcastle winger's impressive form since joining the Magpies from Everton in January 2023 ensured he would be in the latest England squad.

Gordon made his national team debut in March last year and could win his seventh and eighth caps in the Three Lions' Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

"[I am] proud, but I am not that guy to sit back and look at what I have achieved, it’s not in my nature," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's more looking ahead, not so much into the future, but what is right in front of me.

"I have been guilty of looking too far into the future. I am trying to rein that in a little bit and focus on what is ahead of me but I'm definitely proud of what I have achieved, especially the England caps."

Despite coming into this international break with a slight injury, the 23-year-old has remained with the squad, as eight others pulled out through fitness issues.

"Availability is the best ability. I love playing football, so if I can play football even with a slight illness, or a slight knock, if I can play, I will play," Gordon said.

"I have always been that way, so I don’t know any different.

"It [enthusiasm for football] has never left me. I try to not let it get that way consciously, because football does get hard at times, but I have always been enthusiastic. I have always found a way to enjoy it."

More from Gordon on the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United chiefs remain relaxed over Sweden striker Alexander Isak's contract status, despite fresh claims the 25-year-old is unsettled at the club. (Newcastle Chronicle), external

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Newcastle United goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos wants to stay and fight for his place at St James' Park, even though the Magpies look set to bring in 22-year-old James Trafford from Burnley next summer. (The I - subscription required), external

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Newcastle defender Lewis Hall says he is a "completely different player" to the one who made his Chelsea debut under Thomas Tuchel as a 17-year-old in 2020.

Hall, now 20, joined the Magpies in August 2023 and, after enduring a challenging first campaign on Tyneside, has started all 11 Premier League matches so far this season for Eddie Howe's side.

He is likely to cross paths with Tuchel again soon, as the German manager will take charge of England after the current camp under interim boss Lee Carsley.

"I think I am a completely different player now," Hall said after his first senior England call-up. "I think his thinking was, with me being a midfielder back then, to know I was comfortable on the ball, knowing we would have a lot of possession.

"I am not sure if that means anything now, especially as I feel my game is completely different now to how it was back then.

"He was a good person to me, he gave me my debut and I think without that, it wouldn't have given me the confidence.

"So I'm grateful to him for that but right now I have just got to focus on the manager now, which is Lee Carsley, and I am really enjoying it."

After a strong start to this season, he was not surprised to get the call from Carsley.

"I think I had a bit of feeling purely because of the lack of out-and-out left-backs that there are in the squad," Hall said.

"There are a few players who can play both sides, left and right, but I was just thinking, 'If I am playing well for my club that is all I can do', and then the decision is in the hands of the manager. Obviously I was delighted when he selected me.

"I am still really young. Every single time I play for England, no matter what age group, I am really grateful. To be in this camp now is something I am grateful for."

Newcastle United are among a number of clubs, including Chelsea and Crystal Palace, who are keen on Benfica's 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back Tomas Araujo. (O Jogo - in Portuguese), external

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