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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says players tend to lean towards clubs near London despite Newcastle being a club that are "flying".

Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport programme: "The area is absolutely magnificent but a lot of players - and possibly their wives or partners - know London and everybody thinks that's the place to be.

"Of course, unfortunately, they'll tend to lean towards clubs down there because of London - even though you've got a club that's flying like Newcastle, who are going massively in the right direction, have just won the Carabao Cup, have got a brilliant and exciting manager, a fantastic team and ridiculous fans. You can go there and be adored."

On the significance of location to a player, he added: "It's hugely important. What people have to understand is the player themselves is usually fine. They can come, they're in among the lads, having a laugh, training and doing this and that, but it can sometimes be difficult for the partner because, at times, they're alone."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Newcastle have launched bids to sign Brighton's 23-year-old Brazil forward Joao Pedro, Burnley's English goalkeeper James Trafford, 22, and Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Sweden winger Anthony Elanga. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Trafford has agreed terms with Newcastle and talks between the two clubs are ongoing. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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We asked for your views on the "hardest" Newcastle player from the past 50 years. You've also given us some shouts from longer ago that deserve a mention.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: Only one name: Duncan Ferguson. That's the end of the debate.

Alex: From the modern era, you'd have to give Joelinton a mention. I always think back to a match against Brighton where Moises Caicedo, with a look on his face of absolute fear, was hiding behind Dan Burn while Big Joe was trying to get at him after a scuffle during a set-piece.

Davey: He may not be as brutal as some of the players from the 70s and 80s, but I would put Joelinton up there with the hardest. Can you imagine if he'd been able to get away with some of the stuff refs let go back then? Absolute carnage! Big Joe is an absolute machine and I'd certainly think twice about challenging him for the ball. He's one of our best, toughest players of the modern era and I can't think of anyone he's scared of. Have you seen the size of his thighs?

Steve: Obviously I didn't play against them, like Ando did, but surely Duncan Ferguson, David Batty and Stuart Pearce need to be involved in any discussion of hardest player?

Alan: Alan Shearer! Took the knocks and gave them without moaning or rolling over and over, I remember the match when so called hardman Roy Keane squared up to Shearer. He soon backed down on his way off with a red card!

Ian: John McNamee was your classic 1970's Scottish piece of granite! He terrorised European forwards during our successful campaigns.

John H: John McNamee, which is more like 60 years ago.

Laurence: John McNamee. I saw him many times in the 60s, sleeves rolled up to his armpits and ready for battle. I witnessed him committing the worst foul I'd ever seen where Ernie Hunt, playing for Everton, ended up on the cinder track on the Popular side (East Stand) bleeding from thigh to calf.

Newcastle are looking at the likes of PSV Eindhoven and Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko, 22, and Borussia Dortmund and Germany attacker Karim Adeyemi, 23, if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest and Sweden wideman Anthony Elanga, 23. (Teamtalk), external

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So, here is who former Newcastle defender John Anderson thinks has been the "hardest" Magpies player over the past 50 years.

He had no hesitation in picking Billy Whitehurst in top spot. Whitehurst only spent a year at St James' Park from 1985-86, but Anderson says that he is the toughest player he has come across in football.

"He would fight anybody and run through anybody," Anderson added. "He is top of my list and I don't think anybody comes close.

"I had the misfortune of playing against him and I just kept standing off him."

A recap of Anderson's top five:

5. Peter Jackson

4. Kenny Wharton

3. Brian Kilcline

2. David McCreery

1. Billy Whitehurst

• Listen to the debate in full on BBC Sounds here

And explaining why he did not choose any current players on his list, Anderson said: "The game has changed and you can't do what we used to do.

"There is nobody in the modern era who jumps out and makes you think you wouldn't want to play against them."

What do you make of Anderson's choices? Do you think any of today's players deserve a spot in the top five? Or are there any other players from longer ago who also deserve a nod?

Tell us who Anderson missed off his list here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest do not want to sell Anthony Elanga.

The winger has become a key man at the City Ground and Forest have rejected an offer, reportedly worth £45m, from Newcastle.

The Magpies have admired the 23-year-old for a while and tried to bring him to St James' Park last summer.

Yet Forest are prepared to stand firm and want to keep their big players ahead of returning to Europe next season after sealing a Europa Conference League play-off spot.

Elanga played in every one of Forest's Premier League games last season, making 31 starts and scoring six times as Nuno Espirito Santo's side finished seventh.

He joined for £15m from Manchester United in 2023 and has made 82 appearances for Forest, scoring 11 goals.

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It's time for the second part of former Newcastle defender John Anderson's countdown of the toughest players to represent the Magpies over the past 50 years.

At number three and the bronze medal, it's Brian Kilcline.

Kilcine arrived at Newcastle from Oldham Athletic in 1992, making 39 appearances in two seasons in the North East. His long hair and moustache combination gave him a distinctive look.

"He was a no-nonsense centre back who didn't take any messing about from anyone. He was a right handful, who put himself about and led by example. He told his team-mates if they weren't putting a shift in. He would head and kick anything above grass height."

In second place, Anderson chose David McCreery, who made over 250 appearances for the Magpies between 1982 and 1989.

"He was an exceptional player and he loved a tackle. Supporters loved him, and if you asked players to pick a side to go to battle with, he is the one player you would always want.

"He wasn't the biggest in the world, but he would run through a brick wall. Size meant nothing to Davey."

Listen to Anderson's selections here

And come back in a couple of hours to find out who he has at the top of his list

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Throughout Wednesday, we will be revealing which players former Newcastle defender John Anderson thinks have been the five "hardest" to play for the club over the past 50 years.

At number five, he chose defender Peter Jackson, who made 60 appearances for the Magpies between 1986 and 1988.

"A no-nonsense centre-back who mixed it with the best and didn't fear anybody," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He tackled hard and put his head where players nowadays wouldn't even put their foot. He got a few nicks, cuts and broken noses and he was a big strong boy."

Anderson chose academy graduate Kenny Wharton, who played 290 times for Newcastle over 10 years before leaving for Carlisle United in 1989.

"He packed an awful lot into [his size] and he was tough," recalled Anderson.

"I remember he got sent off against Crystal Palace. Billy Gilbert [former Palace defender] was just short of 6ft, 12 or 13 stone and Kenny didn't back down from him. He waited for him in the tunnel.

"He was tough, but he could play the game as well."

Come back later on Wednesday to see the next two players on Anderson's list.

Listen to the top-five selections on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest have rejected a bid from Newcastle worth about £45m for 23-year-old Sweden winger Anthony Elanga, who is valued at £60m. (Sky Sports), external

Meanwhile, the Magpies are willing to make Alexander Isak the best-paid player in the club's history to ward off interest in the striker from Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona. (Times - subscription required), external

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Newcastle United are in talks with Burnley over a deal for 22-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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We asked for your views on John Anderson's top five moments at St James' Park. Suffice to say, some of you didn't agree.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: He has missed the biggest one. It nearly cost me my soon-to-be-completed marriage. David Kelly's last-minute winner vs Portsmouth. If we had lost, we could go down to the third division; we win, get a result at Leicester the next week, and the rest is history.

Anon: Newcastle 4 - 4 Arsenal has to be on there. Greatest comeback ever with the legend Tiote scoring the equaliser. Can't believe John has missed this off.

Richard: I watched Hatem Ben Arfa run the length of St James' Park and score. He just kept going and going. All around the ground, people were shouting: "Go on! Go on!" Louder and louder as he got nearer the Bolton goal. It built up to a crescendo, and then he scored. It was just a thing of beauty. My favourite moment. I was with my young son, which I think made it more special as we got to share it.

Neil: The Bowyer/Dyer incident should not even make the top 100 St James' Park moments! The 4-4 comeback game against Arsenal should replace it!

Ozzy: John Anderson missed out on Newcastle 4 - 4 Arsenal. We were losing 4-0 after 26 minutes, and it remained like that at half-time. The Toon played brilliantly in the second half and, following Arsenal going down to 10 men, gradually pulled back the deficit with goals. Tiote's long-range, low bullet to equalise with only a couple of minutes to go sent St James' absolutely wild.

Alan: King Kev's debut against QPR and scoring the winning goal! St James' Park rammed full for the first time in years. The whole city was on fire with excitement, and the world's press all over the ground. Kevin Keegan: a legend!

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Newcastle will face Spanish side Espanyol at St James' Park on Friday, 8 August, in their first home friendly before the 2025-26 season.

The match, which kicks off at 19:30 BST, has been added to bolster preparations for a season in which the Magpies will compete in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Head coach Eddie Howe is expected to use the fixture to build fitness and cohesion across the squad before Newcastle begin their league campaign at Aston Villa, followed by a home match against defending champions Liverpool.

Espanyol, who are marking their 125th anniversary, finished 14th in La Liga in 2024-25.

The fixture kicks off a busy weekend for the Tyneside club, with Newcastle's men's and women's teams set to take on Atletico Madrid in the Sela Cup on Saturday, 9 August.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Tino Livramento has praised Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's influence as he navigates a summer of speculation.

The Magpies full-back is preparing for England Under-21s' Euro 2025 quarter-final with Spain in Slovakia on Saturday.

He has been linked with Manchester City after an impressive season with the Newcastle, including helping them lift the Carabao Cup.

Livramento sidestepped questions about his future at the Young Lions' training base just outside Bratislava but believes Howe's guidance is key.

"The manager, I'm in constant contact with him. He has just said to keep focusing on what you're doing now and you're doing so well," he said.

"So I think having that relationship with someone that is obviously such a big figure in what I've done so far is an amazing thing for me.

"I'm very much focused on what I'm doing here now. I don't know anything about that [City interest]. Being away with the under-21s is my main priority. I like to stay in the moment and just focus on what I can do to help the team now."

Two years ago, Livramento watched his under-21 team-mates win the European Championship while on holiday after missing out because of injury.

The 22-year-old had just recovered from a serious knee injury which kept him sidelined for a year while at Southampton.

Saturday's last-eight meeting with Spain is a rematch of that final - which Lee Carsley's side won 1-0.

He said: "In my career it was definitely the right thing for me not to go.

"Lee spoke to me, which was a big thing. He just said, 'I'd love for you to come away but it's obviously not the right timing with the injury' and everything I had going on in my life at that moment.

"I was just very much behind the idea of supporting the team away from obviously being in Georgia. It was a great group and I loved watching them play.

"I want to be part of the team that wins this trophy and I want to retain it for my nation."

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The Tyne-Wear derby is back – and the North East is already bracing for one of English football's most fiercely contested rivalries.

Following the release of this season's Premier League fixtures, Sunderland will host Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on 13 December, with the return game taking place at St James' Park on 21 March. These dates are now etched in the minds of supporters across the region.

Few matches stir the emotions quite like the Tyne-Wear derby. For some, it's about pride. For others, it's about history. But for everyone, it's a game that transcends the football pitch.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Newcastle United commentator Matthew Raisbeck said: "When I think of the North East derby, I think of passion, passion that both sets of fans have for their club and how much we get to experience that when the games are being played."

On the other side of the divide, Sunderland's matchday commentator Nick Barnes shared his own take - one that focuses on the emotional toll the derby can take on those involved.

He said: "In one sense, it's a fantastic occasion. In the other sense, it's a real headache, madness in the build-up to the game itself, with all the banter and social media goes bananas. The anxiety, anticipation and the tension and everything that goes with the atmosphere, it is a remarkable occasion."

Listen on BBC Sounds

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Throughout Friday, we have been revealing former Newcastle centre-back John Anderson's top five memorable moments at St James' Park.

In top spot, he puts Newcastle's 6-1 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur, when the Magpies with 5-1 up after just 21 minutes.

"It's got to be said that Spurs were absolutely abysmal and we punished them every moment," Anderson.

"It was an unbelievable 20 minutes of football. After 20 minutes, you could have got up and left because the game was over - and you were thinking that this could be absolutely anything."

The full list:

1. Newcastle 6-1 Tottenham Hotspur - April 2023

2. Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer's fight - April 2005

3. Newcastle 4-1 Paris St-Germain - October 2023

4. Newcastle 3-2 Barcelona - October 1997

5. Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United - October 1996

Do you agree with Anderson's selection? Put them in order over here

What has he missed out on? Tell us here

And listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Throughout Friday, we have been revealing who ex-Magpies defender John Anderson sees as the most memorable moments at St James' Park.

Coming in at number three, according to Anderson, is Newcastle United's 4-1 win against Paris St-Germain in the group stages of the Champions League in 2023.

"You look back at the goalscorers and they were not who you'd really expect," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar scored that night and we totally outplayed them.

"We were fearless - we absolutely took them apart, and there wasn't a fault in the performance. And it was so deserved. There was nothing whatsoever lucky about it.

"From start to finish, PSG couldn't live with the tempo and energy we played with. We deservedly won - and won really well."

In second, Anderson puts the infamous fight between Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer during a heavy defeat by Aston Villa in the 2004-05 Premier League season.

"Everybody is watching the game, and then the next minute, the two of them have got each other by the scruff of the neck in the middle of the pitch," said Anderson. "It's not something you'd expect to see, and both see red.

"It's one of those incidents that anybody who was there on the day remembers it so well, because it was so unusual, especially in the modern game.

"I remember leaving the ground; that's all anybody wanted to talk about, not the fact that we were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa."

What event do you reckon made top spot?

Find out on BBC Sounds - or come back a little later on Friday

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The Professional Footballers' Association has announced its shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, with six standout Premier League performers in the running.

Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister are joined by Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Salah continued his remarkable consistency for Liverpool, while Mac Allister impressed in his second season at Anfield.

Isak's clinical finishing helped Newcastle to a strong league campaign, and Fernandes remained a creative force despite United's mixed form.

Rice was pivotal in Arsenal's push in the league and Europe, and Palmer continued to show great form at Stamford Bridge with a series of match-winning displays.

The winner, voted for by fellow professionals, will be announced later this summer.

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Throughout Friday, we will be revealing the moments former Newcastle defender John Anderson rates as the top five at St James' Park.

In reverse order, he puts the 5-0 demolition of Manchester United during the 1996-97 season in fifth place.

"It was a sensational performance - unbelievable," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "It was one of those games where everybody you speak to was there. And if everybody you spoke to was there, then it would have been 150,000 of them!

"That's just because everybody remembers it so well.

"It was sweet revenge, I suppose, for what happened the season before."

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A spot higher at number four was Newcastle's 3-2 win against Barcelona in the Champions League during the 1997-98 season, when Faustino Asprilla scored a perfect hat-trick.

It was the first time St James' Park had hosted a Champions League game.

"Asprilla and Keith Gillespie were sensational," Anderson recalled. "Gillespie's performance on the night on the right wing was brilliant. He stuck a couple of crosses in that led to a couple of goals.

"Barcelona were a top side at the time and we went 3-0 up but I was very pleased it didn't go on for another 10 minutes. They hit the crossbar late on as well.

"The atmosphere and the noise that night were sensational. It was uncharted territory for us as and we came up against one of the best in Europe and turned them over. Sensational."

Listen to the full list on BBC Sounds - or come back later to find out what's next on Anderson's list

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Despite progressing through the youth ranks at Chelsea as a right-back, Tino Livramento featured heavily on the left side of defence for Newcastle last season after the long-term injury suffered by Lewis Hall.

He impressed in this role and started there for England's first two group games in this summer's Euro Under-21 Championship under Lee Carsley.

"Lee would say he likes me on the left because I can come inside and use my right foot," Livramento said on the role. "The same goes for the Newcastle manager, but when you're in that position it's all instinct.

"I wouldn't say playing as a left-back is my favourite position, but as long as I'm out there and playing I'm really enjoying my football right now."

In the Three Lions' opener against the Czech Republic, Livramento was awarded player of the match after an impressive performance in which his purposeful run and cross forced the deadlock to be broken with an own goal.

When asked what the 22-year-old's best position is, former Magpies defender John Anderson said: "It's a really tough one. I think he's been exceptional in both.

"Since young Hall got injured and he reverted to left-back for Newcastle, he's been exceptional. I think it's a great option for the manager as well that he can play in both those positions and not look out of place.

"Since going to left-back, he's looked like someone who has played there all his life. He's been brilliant at left-back."

However, when asked if Livramento should return to right-back when Hall returns from injury, Anderson added: "I think so. It's a no-brainer really.

"You've got a young boy in Hall who took a while to settle but since getting in the side has been excellent and has become an England international. They're still young boys and learning the game but hopefully they will be there for years to come."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Chelsea are planning to hijack Newcastle's move for Brighton and Brazil forward Joao Pedro, 23. (Sun), external

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

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England goalkeeper Nick Pope, 33, does not want to leave Newcastle despite interest from Leeds, meaning their own attempts to sign Burnley's English stopper James Trafford, 22, could be held up. (TBR Football), external

Liverpool are prepared to smash the British transfer record to sign Newcastle and Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, this summer. (GiveMeSport), external

Chelsea have made initial contact with Brighton over Brazil striker Joao Pedro, 23, who is also wanted by Newcastle. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Newcastle want to sign England forward Marcus Rashford on loan but Manchester United would prefer to offload the 27-year-old on a permanent basis. (Sun), external

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With the Premier League fixtures out, we asked for your thoughts on the schedule and where you think Newcastle will be after their first 10 matches.

Here are some of your comments:

GC: It's a tough start in those first 10 games plus with the Champions League fixtures added in. I would still expect that Newcastle will be in the top six by the end of those games though. It is just as hard for all teams as well. We need to get a good transfer window done.

Neil: Starting the season with Aston Villa away and Liverpool at home will be tough but I am feeling positive about a top three finish with the right investment.

Dale: I would like 24 points out of the first 10 games and I can't wait for us to put Sunderland in their place in December. It is a tough start so I would take five points from the opening three games in August.

Chris: I can feel a four wins, three draws, three losses coming on.

Richard: After 10 games, Newcastle will be second on 26 behind Liverpool and only dropping points in draws at Villa and Brighton. That means winning home games against Liverpool (it's our turn), Arsenal (we usually step up) and Nottingham Forest. Optimism but not crazy!

Krish: In the European places. It's going to be a fun start and and we may struggle for consistency but I think top seven after 10 games. If we don't strengthen sufficiently, then in the top 10.

Opta has ranked the difficulty of each top-flight team's first five Premier League fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

According to Opta's model, Manchester United have the hardest start, followed by their opening-weekend opponents Arsenal and then Bournemouth.

Aston Villa's first five games have been ranked the easiest, alongside Crystal Palace.

Take a look below to see where your side places...

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Fans have been warned by the Premier League that fixtures could be moved at "relatively short notice" next season because of the number of teams playing in Europe.

A record nine top-flight clubs have qualified for continental competition in the 2025-26 campaign.

The Premier League said there is an "increased likelihood" that games will be re-scheduled if English teams reach the latter stages and it suggested fans take this into consideration when planning their attendance at games.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League next season.

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have qualified for the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Conference League.

"While the Premier League celebrates this success, it will come with an impact on the scheduling of league matches," a statement from the Premier League said.

"There is an increased likelihood of Premier League fixtures moving at relatively short notice, after our fixture announcements, should our clubs progress to the knockout rounds of these competitions."