Newcastle United

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Alexander Isak's future and missing out on transfer targets have been consistent themes of Newcastle's summer, but ex-England midfielder Izzy Christiansen believes the club has a "trick in their armoury" if things do not work out.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe suggested part of the reason Isak was not involved in their pre-season friendly with Celtic was because of speculation on his situation.

Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is set to join Liverpool.

Discussing the club's summer on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former England captain Steph Houghton said: "The moment he [Isak] has been left out of that friendly at Celtic, that is a bit of a telling sign.

"They have made a bigger issue out of it really. If he was just there then nobody would really be saying anything.

"Eddie has said himself, in terms of this summer, it hasn't been great, with changes behind the scenes, players' deals and getting targets in. We know how crucial Isak is to Newcastle and the target of having another striker there to help Isak that is now potentially going to Liverpool is big news because you know how hard it is to get a striker.

"If I was a Newcastle fan, I would be worried at this moment in time."

Christiansen added: "I wouldn't necessarily say as a Newcastle fan that I was worried, but you would want to see positive activity over the next few weeks rather than negative ones.

"The targets that have chosen other clubs, they are also players who are of a different calibre to the ones that they have signed over the past five years. It is almost like if you don't get them through the door in this quest to evolve the football club, then they revert back to type anyway, which has got them to where they are; bringing in younger players with Eddie and his staff developing them and becoming competitive that way.

"It's almost like they do have a trick in their armoury that they know they can revert back to what they are good at. What they have done in this window is an attempt to kick on and who knows how that will work out for them."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United are in danger of losing out to Manchester City in their attempt to buy 22-year-old Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Trafford is "very keen" to return to City this summer after they moved to sign the Magpies target. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Newcastle will offer Tino Livramento a new contract to try to fend off interest from Manchester City, who are prepared to pay £65m for the full-back. (Times - subscription required), external

Alternatively, City are not planning a move for Livramento and are looking at other targets for the position. (ESPN), external

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

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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes Alexander Isak will remain at the club next season because nobody can afford to buy him.

Anderson, who now summarises for BBC Radio Newcastle, said: "Once you've got good players and you've got very, very good players, they're always going to be linked with other teams. That's always been the nature of the game and that's never, ever going to go away.

"I just don't think anybody at this moment in time can afford Isak and that's the truth of it.

"There's a lot of speculation about whether he's going to sign a new contract and have the club offered him a new contract - I don't think the boy is in any hurry to sign a new contract because he's got three years left on his present deal. Why would he be?

"It's OK getting whatever you get for him. But how do you replace a player like that? That's the bottom line.

"You've got all the money in the world, yes, but can you get a player in who can do what he does?"

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It has been a quieter transfer window than many would have hoped for at Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga, from Nottingham Forest for £55m, is the only first-team signing the Magpies have made, despite being linked to a plethora of other players.

They include: Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Dean Huijsen and Hugo Ekitike, who have now all either completed a move elsewhere or are in the final stages of agreeing a deal.

"It has been a really frustrating summer," says Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. "We've been very close to signing several players and for different reasons - there's not one theme why we haven't signed more - we've ended up missing out on a few who would have made a difference.

"The one most important factor in any transfer is the player has to want to come to Newcastle. We're a very proud club and are proud of what we do, so any player has to feel that.

"If they don't, for whatever reason, I don't think it's a healthy transfer. Every player we have signed to this point, that's gone on to be hugely successful with us, has had that desire to come. So, for me, that's the number one thing.

"I'd say I'm hopeful rather than confident because we're not in control of the market or agents, players and other clubs.

"I can assure everybody we are a hundred per cent on it and trying to do things quickly."

Newcastle have also signed winger Antonio Cordero from Malaga, but the 18-year-old is expected to head out on loan next season to gain more experience.

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says he chose to leave Alexander Isak at home for their pre-season friendly at Celtic, following reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The striker was not part of the squad that lost 4-0 on Saturday, but that also shouldn't be read into warns Howe.

"I'd never give a guarantee about anybody [staying] because I've been in football long enough to know I could end up looking silly," Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"But, the desire from everybody to keep him is as strong as it could be. Fingers crossed that will happen for us.

"We love him as a player and a person and want him to stay - and that is right through the club. He's an outstanding talent and a player we cherish.

"I think for any player speculation's not an easy thing to deal with, and not an easy thing to understand, when you're fielding calls and messages from players and people asking you all sorts.

"The media now is so strong and the media message goes far and wide.

"I don't think it's easy for any player to be under that scrutiny and that's part - ten per cent - of the reason why he wasn't here today.

"I just want him to focus on himself and his training and being ready for next week."

On whether Isak will travel with Newcastle to Singapore next week: "Yes, absolutely. He's part of our squad. At this moment in time, I expect him to come."

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Newcastle began their pre-season campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Scottish Champions Celtic in Glasgow.

In front of 10,000 away fans in Celtic Park, the Magpies were 2-0 down at half-time before Eddie Howe introduced new signing Anthony Elanga for his first appearance as one of nine half-time changes.

However, the Magpies failed to work their way into the match and conceded twice more to Brendan Rodgers' side - who are already deep into their pre-season preparations before the Scottish Premiership gets underway on 3 August.

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Sean Longstaff has sent an emotional goodbye message to Newcastle, after his 118-year association with the club came to an end on Friday.

The 27-year-old completed a move to Leeds for £12m but has posted a video message on social media.

Alongside clips on his journey and best moments with the Magpies, Longstaff said: "I only ever had one dream when growing up and playing on the streets and local pitches in North Shields with my little brother and that was to put on those black and white stripes and play at St James' Park for Newcastle.

"We can always say we done that together. Fast forward 19 years, over 200 games, 16 goals, it's my time to say goodbye.

"We've seen it all: from the ups, to the downs and the magical nights under the lights.

"To finish this journey with our first major trophy in 60 years is something that will live with me forever.

"To all the players, coaches and staff- thank you. You are what makes this football club so special.

"And also the fans - whether it's at home or away, sunshine or rain, you have always been there cheering us on.

"St James' Park is a place I will always call home."

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We asked for your views on former Newcastle defender John Anderson's top five most underrated Magpies players of all time.

Anderson's list was:

5. Andy Griffin

4. Kevin Gallagher

3. Shola Ameobi

2. Sean Longstaff

1. Aaron Hughes.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Darren: Darren Peacock played for Toon as a centre-back in the Kevin Keegan days and was often the only defender doing his job. The concept of 'rest defence' just was not a thing with the Keegan teams and poor Darren was frequently left cruelly exposed as Steve Watson, Rob Elliot and Philippe Albert would all go charging up field. But he did a stalwart job amid very unfair criticism from the usual Monday morning midfield generals.

Stephen: Still annoys me that we let Aaron Hughes go for peanuts and replaced him with Jean-Alain Boumsong, who cost a fortune and was much worse.

Peter: Can't argue with John Anderson's picks for the great under-appreciated but I would try to push Scott Sellars in there somewhere. Him, David Kelly, John Bracewell and Barry Venison set the foundations for King Kev's entertainers

Andrew: If Shola Ameobi made the list, surely so should Steve Harper. A club legend, who all fans liked! But, how about a punt for Steven Taylor? At his peak, he was a starter for the team and super reliable. He also gave us an entire career. But he never got a chance to prove his talent for England, even when at his peak. Final shout out for Isaac Hayden. He was ultra reliable. Sad how it ended with him.

Jamie: Ando is a legend so by and large I agree with his choices. But, James Milner deserves a mention. Went on to have an unbelievable career, still going, has won everything there is at club level and could have made so much difference to a very modest team for so many years.

Paul: 1. Gaza 2. Beardsley 3. Waddle 4. Malcolm MacDonald 5. Andy Cole. The club underrated them all by letting them go. Fortunately, PIF have more sense!

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Earlier on Friday, we revealed numbers five to two in former defender John Anderson's list of this century's most underrated Newcastle players. And now it's time to tell you his 'winner'.

In first place, he has gone for defender Aaron Hughes, who made the 278 appearances for the Toon between 1997 and 2005.

"He was so underrated," Anderson told a BBC Radio Newcastle special. "He was a great player who could play all across the back four or as a holding midfielder. He had a great attitude and work-rate.

"It's only when you lose someone like him that you start to think how good he was.

"He went to Aston Villa and was outstanding at Fulham. We should have never let him go. He was a top player. He was a quiet lad who went about his business and who did everything right on and off the pitch."

So to recap Anderson's list:

5. Andy Griffin

4. Kevin Gallagher

3. Shola Ameobi

2. Sean Longstaff

1. Aaron Hughes.

What do you make of the selections? Did Anderson miss any players out?

Get in touch with your views here

And listen to the full rundown and the reasons behind the selections on BBC Sounds here

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We asked for your views on Sean Longstaff leaving his boyhood club for newly promoted Leeds United.

The 27-year-old academy graduate, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up in 2006, has just entered the final year of his contract and his sale would generate pure profit in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Here are some of your thoughts:

Anthony: Longstaff is a consummate professional who has served the club well. A local lad who always gave his best, a loyal and valued member of the squad, a great role model to the younger players. I wish him well and I hope he regains the form that almost had him being considered by England. All the best, Sean, but don't come back to haunt us like Chris Wood.

Ste: It's a difficult one. You need homegrown players for the Champions League and we will struggle to fill that quota in our European squad. However, PSR dictates a lot and this sale presents profit for a squad player. It's disappointing that a local lad has to leave mainly because of PSR.

Brian: It may be good in a business sense, but in terms of the squad needed for all of the games next season it's not clever at all, unless they can replace him with a better player. And so far the recruitment has been very limited...

Kegs: It's the right time and the right move for the club and the player to go their separate ways. Longstaff's opportunities, with an improving Newcastle squad, are becoming fewer and fewer, and he will certainly get more game time at Leeds. A good player in the Mike Ashley era, but he doesn't fit and isn't good enough for the current one.

Russell: Sean has been a great servant to the club for the past few years and seen us through really rough times. I'm glad he was around last season to win a trophy with his boyhood club, but if we want to progress it is time for him to move on. I wish him all the best. Howay, Sean, go smash it!

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope has reported that Sean Longstaff is set for a move to Leeds United that would end an 18-year association with boyhood club Newcastle.

The deal is expected to be concluded for a guaranteed £12m - plus £3m in potential add-ons.

The North Shields-born player joined the Magpies aged nine and made his debut for them in 2018, having initially gained experience on loan at Kilmarnock and Blackpool.

His form during his first Premier League season meant he briefly became a transfer target for Manchester United, but the Red Devils baulked at the reported £50m asking price.

Longstaff has made 214 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 16 goals, including a strike in a memorable Champions League win over Paris St-Germain in 2023.

He was a regular starter in both 2022-23 and 2023-24, but lost his place last season. With Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton firmly established as the midfield three, Longstaff only began eight Premier League matches - none of which came after Christmas.

A move to Elland Road should give the 27-year-old the chance to play more regularly and would also see him follow in the footsteps of his uncle Alan Thompson, the former Bolton, Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder, who also had a stint with Leeds towards the end of his career.

How do you feel about Longstaff leaving his boyhood club? Does sentiment have to be put to the side, or is it important to keep local players?

Get in touch with your views here

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak was - or rather is - entirely genuine.

Newcastle United, at least publicly, have maintained that the 25-year-old Sweden international simply is not for sale.

But when the Reds stepped up their efforts to land the striker earlier this week, it suggested they had had some private encouragement to the contrary.

Even if their decision to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike comes to fruition, you can expect Liverpool's interest in Isak to remain.

As things stand, the former Real Sociedad forward will enter the final two years of his contract next summer - a juncture at which Newcastle face significantly more jeopardy.

Of course, Liverpool - with or without Ekitike - may enter next summer's transfer window believing they do not require another centre-forward.

But, if they do, Isak is unlikely to be too far away from their thoughts.

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Throughout Friday, we are revealing who former Newcastle defender John Anderson has selected in his list of the Magpies' five most underrated players of the 21st Century.

In third place is Shola Ameobi. Raised in the Fenham area of the city, the striker made just shy of 400 appearances for the St James' Park club between 2000 and 2014, scoring 79 goals.

"He was a young boy when he came into the side and it was really difficult when you look at who he was playing alongside and who he was trying to replace," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He scored huge goals in Europe - and always scored against Sunderland.

"He took some harsh criticism here. He played an awful lot of games and probably should have scored more than he did, but he never left anything on the pitch and always worked his socks off."

And second place goes to Sean Longstaff. It looks like the midfielder's time at his boyhood club could be coming to an end, but he has made 214 appearances after making his debut in 2018.

"It is always difficult when you are a homegrown lad because the expectations are always a little bit higher," Anderson said.

"He got into the side and was steady - won the ball and kept it moving. There was nothing flashy about him but can be relied upon to do a job.

"I don't think anyone can argue that Longstaff hasn't had a fair amount of criticism - but I think he has been there when we needed him."

Come back later to see who Anderson has at the top of his list...

• Listen to BBC Radio Newcastle's top-five special on underrated players

• And access top-five shows on managers, centre-backs and hardmen here

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Newcastle's new winger Anthony Elanga says it was "perfect timing" to make his £55m move from Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old Sweden international has been training with his new team-mates in their pre-season camp in Austria and will be available to make his first Magpies appearance in Saturday's friendly against Scottish champions Celtic in Glasgow.

"It's been amazing," he told BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck. "I've only been here a week, but it feels like I've been here for years.

"The way I'm getting on with the lads and the way they made me feel welcome is a credit to them - but also credit to me for opening myself up, wanting to learn and wanting to know them.

"I know there is a lot more to come. I'm just trying to take it day by day and enjoy it as much as I can."

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Elanga scored six goals and provided 11 assists for Forest in 2024-25 as they secured Conference League qualification - now seemingly upgraded to Europa League - but he believes it was the right time to move to Newcastle, who are in this season's Champions League.

"It's about looking at the project and what they're building here is something unique and special," he added. "Not taking anything away from Nottingham Forest because we had an amazing season there as a collective, and me individually - although I know I can do a lot more.

"Coming here, I want to showcase my ability and my talent with an amazing manager in Eddie Howe and his amazing staff.

"The players here will help me elevate my game even further and I think it is the right time for me. It's something I want to be a part of.

"The fanbase is so passionate about football. It was a no-brainer really. It is the perfect timing. I'm trying to take it all in and it's amazing."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson has selected his top-five most underrated Magpies players over the past 25 years.

At fifth, he selected defender Andy Griffin, who made over 100 appearances between 1999 and 2004.

On a BBC Radio Newcastle special, Anderson said: "He was always solid and a little bit of an old-fashioned [player]. He loved a tackle and didn't mind putting himself about. I don't think he is as appreciated as he should have been."

Next on Anderson's list, in fourth place, is Kevin Gallacher. The winger featured 47 times for Newcastle between 1999 and 2001:

"He had a great work ethic - he would chase a paper bag and chase lost causes. I don't think he got the appreciation he should have done.

"He was a very good player because he came in, did a job and got on with it. I don't really recall him having a poor game. He was a steady Eddie."

Come back to this page throughout Friday to see the rest of Anderson's picks.

• Listen to the top-five special on underrated players

• Access top-five shows on managers, centre-backs and hardmen here

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa's preference is to follow former Bees manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham, despite Newcastle United showing an interest in the 28-year-old DR Congo international. (Talksport, external)

Newcastle are considering an approach to Juventus for Italian defender Nicolo Savona, 22, and also remain keen on his 21-year-old compatriot Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Valencia's Spanish defender Cesar Tarrega, 23. (Sky Sports, external)

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

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We asked for your views on Newcastle turning their interest to Brentford's Yoane Wissa after seeing Liverpool close in on target Hugo Ekitike.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Not sorry to hear this at all. There's still a bad vibe around Ekitike from his previous snubs, and it usually takes a while for strikers to adapt from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. Wissa may not have the same youthful potential but he's Premier League proven and would offer a lot straight away.

Zack: I would be a big fan of getting Wissa - he's considerably cheaper than Ekitike and knows the league well. Might be a difficult deal to get done given the competition so hope the club haven't run out of options!

Tom: Can't really be disappointed in not getting a player who isn't Premier League proven. Don't get me wrong, Ekitike looks decent and will only get better. But we've seen lots of players come to the Premier League and struggle. Wissa is proven, and for a fraction of the price. I'd be very happy if we can use the leftover money and bring in a few more players rather than splurge it all on a risk.

Bryan: I think shifting focus to Wissa is a good move. Proven Premier League goal scorer. Will be good back up and partner for Isak. Means Isak doesn't have to play every game of a long season.

Doc: Overall, I preferred Wissa than Ekitike. Known, quality forward.

Tom M: It's incredibly underwhelming; I'd rather we look abroad for promising young players than take slightly older players from mid-table teams in the Prem.

Sean: Why do Newcastle seem to fail every time they try to sign someone? Other teams notice our interest and jump in ahead of us. We need to be prepared to bid aggressively. Our transfer team are really not fit for purpose and this need sorting out.

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Newcastle legend Bob Moncur says his former teammate Ronald 'Wyn' Davies, who has died aged 83, was loved because he was "wholehearted".

Moncur told BBC Radio Newcastle: "What a great character he was and of course he was a great centre forward. I've never seen anything like him then and since - how high he could jump and head the ball.

"When Wyn was there at Newcastle United he was a great team player as well. He played wholeheartedly all the time.

"He wasn't the best on the ground but up in the air there was nobody who could compete with him, not just in England but in Europe as well. They used to have a lot of trouble with Wyn Davies in the air.

"The fans loved him as well because he was wholehearted."

Listen to the full tribute on BBC Sounds

Dan Roan
Sports editor

If Liverpool do sign Hugo Ekitike at Newcastle's expense, then you'd imagine the Magpies will reflect on their decision to walk away from a £20m deal to sign the 23-year-old striker three years ago, only to then pivot and sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.

Ekitike's emergence as one of the continent's best young strikers has seen his value sky-rocket. His asking price is part of the reason why Newcastle have failed to sign the French striker in recent days.

Ekitike's rise to prominence has also resulted in Europe's top clubs entering the equation.

When Liverpool come knocking it's hard to ignore. His 26 goals in 47 appearances for Frankfurt has been enough for the Merseysiders to take the plunge in a deal that will cost in-excess of £70m.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is aiming to have the deal for Ekitike closed by the end of the weekend, while Newcastle's wait for a new striker moves on.

They are interested in Yoane Wissa, but it will be intriguing to see how Manchester United's latest bid for Brentford team-mate Bryan Mbeumo impacts the Democratic Republic of Congo international's potential move to St James' Park.

Brentford are adamant they don't want to lose Wissa and Mbeumo this summer, particularly given the upheaval that has already impacted the west London club.

There are questions that still need answering for Newcastle - though those close to the club will tell you keeping Isak is the solution to most of their problems.

Read more on Isak, Ekitike and Wissa

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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I want to tour other Premier League clubs with a big 'HANDS OFF ALEX ISAK' sign and wave it around. What good will that do? I don't know. But it feels like a statement I want to make.

Pleasingly, the noises coming from Newcastle United at the moment make it seem like Isak is not for sale, and will still be in black and white this September. This is huge for Newcastle's season, with Champions League football returning and hopefully another decent cup run to come. Without Isak, I think a lot of our hopes of finishing high in the table, doing respectably in the Champions League, and generally having a happy time this season fade away.

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At some point, he will leave. I don't believe Isak is so in love with Newcastle United that he wants to stay years and finish his career here. He's an ambitious player who probably wants to be playing in the best leagues in the world.

I, however, don't think it's inevitable that he leaves this time next year, but I do think it's more likely. His price will still be high; he will only be 26. At that point, it makes no sense from a PSR perspective to hold on - particularly if the player himself is ready to move.

It's frustrating that this is where we are, financially, and at the same time I understand it. It would be lovely to just fling cash at players, keep them happy, and buy reinforcements. It would also be boring and not good for the game if, say, three rich clubs just did that all the time. I'm just glad we look like we might keep hold of Isak for another massive season at Newcastle United, and develop/scout other players in case we find ourselves without him next.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external