Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Newcastlepublished at 11:04 BST 30 August
11:04 BST 30 August
Newcastle were phenomenal against Liverpool. But my worry for them is this: Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both went off injured last match and those two in midfield are an absolute force. I don't know what taking them out will do to the team.
Leeds lost 5-0 to Arsenal. They were thumped. Well beaten. But are they going to be a different proposition at Elland Road? They played with such great intensity in their opening game against Everton.
There should be an asterisk for this one, really. If Tonali and Joelinton are fit, which I don't think will be, then Newcastle should win. But this has put me in a really vulnerable position as the BBC predictions expert - I don't have all the data!
With Anthony Gordon also suspended, I'm going for a draw, purely based on the fact that Newcastle won't have any players.
Leeds v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:22 BST 29 August
19:22 BST 29 August
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Leeds, who have gone almost a year since losing a league fixture at home, host a Newcastle side still awaiting their first win of the season. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before Saturday's game.
The newly promoted Whites marked their top-flight return with a 1-0 home victory against Everton but since then have suffered a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal and a surprise loss on penalties to Sheffield Wednesday.
Tuesday's EFL Cup exit at a half-empty Hillsborough was all the more surprising given the unique circumstances surrounding the tie. Many home supporters boycotted the game to show their anger at owner Dejphon Chansiri, while the Owls fielded an inexperienced team with an average age of just 21.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke picked a side with seven internationals and admitted he was "embarrassed" by the result, albeit his priority is clearly staying in the Premier League rather than cup runs.
The German, who made nine changes in midweek, will target a return to winning ways at Elland Road. Leeds have not lost there in the league since 14 September last year, a run of 21 games - a record currently bettered by only two sides in the top four tiers of English football.
Now could prove a good time to face Newcastle given the visitors' lack of forwards. Eddie Howe's team are still without the unsettled Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon is starting a three-match ban and a deal for Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade was not finalised in time for Saturday.
But, Isak aside, there can be no doubting the commitment of the players currently at the club following Monday's thriller against Liverpool, in which the 10-man Magpies came back from two goals down before succumbing to Rio Ngumoha's injury-time winner.
Skipper Bruno Guimaraes headed his side's first goal in that game and set the tone with an all-action display. He wrote in the matchday programme that playing for the club still "makes me as proud as it did on my first day", adding "my children are Geordies and it's a privilege to be captain of this club and to wear the black and white shirt".
The fired-up Brazilian led by example against the Premier League champions, running a kilometre further than any player from either side and also leading the way in terms of duels contested, possession won and passes played in the final third.
Woltemade's unique profilepublished at 18:44 BST 29 August
18:44 BST 29 August
Jordan Butler BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
"Good feet for a big man" - the classic football cliche is less common these days but, as a statement, it neatly encapsulates Newcastle's imminent recruit Nick Woltemade.
The Germany forward is 6ft 6in and has exceptional close control, attributes that have earned him a multitude of monikers including Wolte-messi and the Tower of Stuttgart.
But, his unique profile aside, the 23-year-old is already rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite.
Since the start of last season only two players in Europe's top five leagues have averaged more touches in the opposition box - Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah.
Warnings that Woltemade is not yet the finished article must still be heeded, as he struggled to make an impact at times during his first senior international appearances against Portugal and France in the Nations League back in June.
But IAlexander sak was far from a complete player when he first joined Newcastle United for a club record £63m fee in 2022. The Swede had scored just six league goals for Real Sociedad in the previous season - almost four fewer than his expected goals total of 9.78.
Woltemade was born on Valentine's Day and, while he will need time to adapt and grow in the Premier League, there is already a lot for Newcastle fans to love about the giant German.
Tone shifts on Isak as Newcastle close in on Woltemadepublished at 17:00 BST 29 August
17:00 BST 29 August
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Media caption,
It feels like there has been a shift on Tyneside. In so many ways.
Following so many setbacks in their search for a striker, Nick Woltemade is now having a medical before completing a club record move to Newcastle United.
And it does not sound like Newcastle are finished yet.
The Mapgies remain active in the market and Eddie Howe said on Friday morning that there was an opportunity to "maybe improve the squad further", which pointed to the club at least exploring the possibility of signing an additional centre-forward.
Whereas the prospect of Newcastle landing one striker once felt like a real challenge going into the final days of the window, now - suddenly - the club have momentum.
That could, in turn, have a knock-on effect on the Alexander Isak saga.
It was just last week that Newcastle did not envisage the "conditions of sale being met" to allow Isak to join Liverpool – namely recruiting two quality strikers and the champions returning to make an improved bid to actually give the club a decision to make.
But could that now change?
Howe reiterated that Isak could still be reintegrated, but the Newcastle head coach's tone surrounding the striker was noticeably different on Friday as he said "you can't just be oblivious to things that have happened" in reference to the Sweden international's conduct.
One way or another, this is going to be a frantic end to the window.
Howe on Tonali and Joelinton injuries, move for Woltemade and Leedspublished at 11:52 BST 29 August
11:52 BST 29 August
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Elland Road (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The injuries Sandro Tonali and Joelinton picked up against Liverpool last time out "aren't as serious as the club feared". He explained: "Tonali is battling to be fit, whether he makes it or not I'm not sure. He's dealing with pain not dislocation, so if he can do that then he can play. Joelinton won't feature, but he could be back the other side of the international break."
Fabian Schar is "fit and fine to play" after following the Premier League protocols regarding concussion.
The club have not appealed Anthony Gordon's red card so he remains unavailable.
He couldn't say "too much" about the club's interest in Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, but there are "positive signs" regarding his move to St James' Park. Howe added: "Things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. I can't confirm anything until things are done, but fingers crossed."
Woltemade will not be registered in time to face Leeds United, though.
There is "no update" on Alexander Isak's future at the club and, at present, it is "difficult to give any clarity" on the situation. Howe highlighted that it is a possibility Isak and Woltemade will be in the same squad.
He admitted he is looking forward to the transfer window closing: "It will be good because it will allow us to focus on what we love to do, which is build the team knowing that it is settled and all of the emotion around the transfer window has gone."
William Osula could start as striker against Leeds after "taking his goal brilliantly and giving the team renewed energy" against Liverpool. He added: "He has improved a lot from this time last year. He has gained the knowledge and experience of how we play. He is gaining in confidence and that goal will do him the world of good."
When asked about Bayer Leverkusen's reported interest in the forward and whether a loan deal might be explored, he replied: "That's for another day. Regular football is something he needs for his career, but whether that's now or in the future, who knows."
The Champions League draw conjured up some "great games" and he doesn't believe Newcastle United are the "dark horses" of this year's competition.
He added: "We're just going to try to attack the fixtures in the best way we can. I believe we are more ready than we were last time because there is more experience in the squad and we have been through more together."
On facing Leeds United, he said: "Their home support is really strong, so we know the start of the game is going to be really important for us. They played very well against Everton and they were strong in the early parts against Arsenal. They have invested well and have some great players." He also praised manager Daniel Farke for doing an "unbelievable job" at Elland Road.
'Woltemade is about control' but 'not the finished product'published at 08:08 BST 29 August
08:08 BST 29 August
Image source, Getty Images
German football expert Raphael Honigstein has shared his thoughts on Newcastle United's reported latest signing, Nick Woltemade, highlighting both his potential and areas for growth.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Honigstein praised Woltemade's exceptional first touch and his versatility, noting his ability to operate as both a number 10 and a forward. He also revealed that German giants Bayern Munich had shown interest in the 23-year-old.
However, Honigstein urged caution, pointing out that Woltemade is still a work in progress. He only became a regular in the Bundesliga six months ago and remains some way from being the finished product.
"He has a lovely first touch, but he is much more than that; he can play the number 10 as well because he is really skilful on the ball and is somebody who Bayern very much wanted," Honigstein said. "They wanted him as a Harry Kane backup or eventual successor, but now he is going to Newcastle instead.
"I am struggling to find similarities (to Isak). Both are forwards, but very different types of players. I think Isak is all action, fantastic in the press, makes runs, can play wide, and cut inside. Of course, in theory, Woltemade can do all these things as well, but he is about control, he is about skill in tight spaces, he is about being a bit of a battering ram. If his development continues, he could be on a similar level to Isak, but the style is very different, and Newcastle will adjust, and he will adjust.
"I am a little worried that he is not the finished product yet; he only really started being a regular at the Bundesliga level in December. So it has been an almighty six months that catapulted him to being one of the hottest prospects."
Gossip: Wolves to reject Newcastle approach againpublished at 07:26 BST 29 August
07:26 BST 29 August
Wolves are ready to reject Newcastle's third bid of £60m for Jorgen Strand Larsen and remain adamant that the 25-year-old Norway striker will not be sold during this transfer window. (Telegraph), external
Newcastle learn Champions League opponentspublished at 18:17 BST 28 August
18:17 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle's Champions League draw is complete and Eddie Howe's's side now know which eight clubs they will meet in the 36-team league format, which was used for the first time last season.
The Champions League fixture list with match dates and kick-off times will be published no later than Saturday, 30 August.
The Magpies will face:
Barcelona (H)
Paris St-Germain (A)
Benfica (H)
Bayer Leverkusen (A)
PSV Eindhoven (H)
Marseille (A)
Athletic Bilbao (H)
Union Saint-Gilloise (A)
Champions League group phase dates:
Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025
Matchday 3: 21-22 October 2025
Matchday 4: 4-5 November 2025
Matchday 5: 2-26 November 2025
Matchday 6: 9-10 December 2025
Matchday 7: 20-21 January 2026
Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
Champions League knockout stage dates:
Knockout phase play-offs: 17-18 and 24-25 February 2026
Watch and follow Champions League draw livepublished at 16:49 BST 28 August
16:49 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
There are six Premier League teams in this season's Champions League.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham are about to find out who they will face in the league phase of the 2025-26 competition.
Can Newcastle sign two strikers by the end of the transfer window?published at 15:23 BST 28 August
15:23 BST 28 August
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
It is looking increasingly difficult with each passing day.
In truth, trying to replace Callum Wilson has been challenging enough for Newcastle United this summer – let alone signing an additional striker capable of filling Alexander Isak's sizeable boots.
Newcastle have seen top targets like Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro move elsewhere while the club have had offers rejected for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
Eddie Howe has always maintained it is about signing the "right" player – when it comes to age, fee, wages and character - but clubs are understandably reluctant to lose key figures so late in the window with little time left to find a replacement.
No wonder Newcastle stated last week that they did not foresee the conditions of Isak's sale being met.
Time will tell if the situation changes, but time is running out.
'Ultimate panic buy' - fan viewspublished at 14:14 BST 28 August
14:14 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Newcastle's bids for Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Magpies have made two approaches but on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, one fan questioned if the move was a "panic buy".
Here are some of your comments:
Gareth: £60m is way too much. Why not take a punt on Hojlund or Vlahovic? Half the price and their age is about the same. Could be one to sell on and make more profit on.
Sue: I agree with Anas it would seem like a panic buy.
Les: This would be the ultimate panic buy! He's a goodish player but not a £60m player - £35m or £40m maybe. We don't have much time but need to consider other options. Osula needs to be given more of a chance.
Val: I think we should go for him. He only came on as a sub against West Ham but still scored two goals. We have to think about where we will be if we don't get anyone - and he doesn't have to be a forever signing but we need him now!
Pat: As a Wolves fan, it would be a disaster. I know he wants to leave, but surely the timing isn't right. Back off Newcastle.
Peter: To be honest I think a broom tied to a roller skate would be a decent buy at the moment. We just need players in and are running out of time. Meet the price tag Wolves want and get him in asap.
Russell: If we paid £35/40m I'd say good business but £60m is definitely a panic buy and would show how desperate we actually are. For £60m I'd rather have Wissa.
Rich: Why aren't we signing Jamie Vardy for free on a one-year contract?
Striker uncertainty but Newcastle 'dark horse' in Champions League potpublished at 12:08 BST 28 August
12:08 BST 28 August
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There are a couple of unknowns for the Newcastle United delegation who will travel to Monaco for Thursday evening's Champions League draw.
Firstly, who are the eight teams Newcastle will face in the league phase? Secondly, just who will play up front when Eddie Howe's side take on Europe's elite?
Will Newcastle finally reach a breakthrough and sign a centre-forward after previously having bids rejected for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa?
Will it fall to Anthony Gordon to lead the line as the England international did before he was sent off against Liverpool?
Or will Alexander Isak, somehow, be reintegrated if the 25-year-old does not get his move to the champions in the final days of the window?
It could be another few days before the answers to those questions become clearer, but today's draw brings the need for clarity into sharp focus.
After all, in less than three weeks, Newcastle will get their Champions League campaign under way and the black-and-whites are guaranteed to play two of the following giants from pot one: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund or Barcelona.
Newcastle, in contrast, will be in pot four alongside newcomers like Pafos and FC Kairat on account of the club's low coefficient.
That was also the case before Howe's team were thrown into the group of death with PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan a couple of years ago.
However, this time around, you suspect the competition's league phase format could suit Newcastle better as they will draw two sides from each of the four pots rather than being paired with a single team from pots one, two, and three like in a previous era.
Newcastle may be without a recognised senior striker right now, but the Magpies are the dark horse in pot four that most sides will still want to avoid. Not least at St James' Park.
Lawrence to lead Newcastle Under-21spublished at 12:03 BST 28 August
12:03 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester United under 18s coach Adam Lawrence will join Newcastle United as their new Under-21s Lead Coach from 1 September.
Lawrence, 38, guided his team to second in the Premier League North and lost to eventual winners Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals on penalties.
His team also won the Premier League regional and national titles as well as the Premier League Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.
Lawrence said: "It's a real privilege to join Newcastle United and to lead the Under-21s squad at such an exciting time for the Academy.
"I've always believed in creating environments where young players can grow - not just as footballers, but as people - and that is something the Academy does very well."
Lawrence spent eight years at Charlton Athletic's Academy as the club's Head of Coaching and also worked within Millwall's youth system.
At Newcastle he will be assisted by Robbie Stockdale, who has been in interim charge of the Under-21s side since the departure of Diarmuid O'Carroll.
"I appreciate that he is only 25-years-old and he scored twice against West Ham but I wouldn't pay that money. It's a panic buy. It really is," said Newcastle fan Anas.
Last season Larsen also scored 14 goals in 30 Premier League starts on loan at Wolves from Celta Vigo, which convinced the Premier League club to sign him on a permanent basis.
Gossip: Newcastle to bid again for Strand Larsenpublished at 08:15 BST 28 August
08:15 BST 28 August
Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer of £60m for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen after Wolves turned down bids of £50m and £55m for the 25-year-old Norway striker. (Sky Sports), external