Newcastle United

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

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After fending off Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak but seeing the Reds close in on their striker transfer target Hugo Etikite, Newcastle have turned their attention to Brentford's Yoane Wissa.

The Magpies are expected to accelerate their interest in Wissa in the next 24 hours after withdrawing from their chase of Ekitike as they continue their pursuit of a striker.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international has scored 45 goals in 137 Premier League appearances since joining from Lorient in 2021.

Newcastle fans, what do you make of these developments? Would ending the window with Isak and Wissa as striking options be a success? And is missing out on Ekitike a major disappointment?

Let us know here

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Newcastle have maintained throughout the summer that their top players - and Alexander Isak is certainly one of those - are not for sale.

Indeed, like Liverpool, Newcastle - who are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - are in a comfortable PSR position.

Isak has three years left on his contract, so the Swede would most likely have to actively push for a move.

Apart from Liverpool, few other clubs in the market for a striker could afford Isak's reported £130m price tag.

"As the most profitable club in Premier League history, Arsenal could easily spend over £200m in the window and have no PSR concerns," said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

Despite Isak having been linked with a move to Arsenal, the Gunners are instead expected to reach a full agreement with Sporting for the 73.5m euros (£63.5m) signing of striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

Manchester City are unlikely to be in the market for a striker, with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush under lengthy contracts.

It seems doubtful that Manchester United would be able to afford Isak's fee without significant player sales, having missed out on Champions League football next season.

Chelsea have bought strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this window.

"In theory, Tottenham could also afford Isak," said Maguire. "But whether the player would want to move from a team who finished fifth to one who finished 17th is a whole other story."

Read all the financial details surrounding Liverpool's Isak interest here

Newcastle United are pushing ahead with their attempt to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in the hope of pairing him with Liverpool target Alexander Isak next season. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Liverpool have also opened talks with the Bundesliga club over 23-year-old Frenchman Ekitike. (Sky Sports), external

The Magpies could move for Brentford and DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, 28, if they fail to sign Ekitike this summer. (GiveMeSport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Joe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

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Newcastle's interest in Hugo Ekitike goes back to January 2022, the first transfer window with their Saudi Arabian owners.

Back then they were unable to make a deal work and in the summer they ultimately chose Alexander Isak instead.

But the admiration has remained for a player who started at Reims and left for Paris St-Germain in 2023 but failed to make an impact and had a spell on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt before joining the Bundesliga club permanently last summer.

"His tactical understanding is one of his great strengths," German football writer Constantin Eckner told BBC Sport.

"He served as a lone striker as well as part of a two-striker set-up under Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller.

"During the first half of last season, Ekitike and Omar Marmoush formed a fearsome strike pairing which was torn apart when Manchester City signed Marmoush for £63m in January.

"Subsequently, Frankfurt did not acquire a replacement for Marmoush and instead changed the tactical set-up, with Ekitike the lone striker.

"He is versatile and not just a striker who feels at home inside the box. Ekitike might not be the most dynamic player, but he can get past defenders with smart moves."

Eckner also said Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krosche has stated the club will not let Ekitike go for less than £86m.

He added: "It seems as if the Bundesliga side are fine with selling yet another top player to a Premier League club.

"Their current model is that they find these gems, try to develop them and then fund their next signings through the money they generate."

Read more on Ekitike here

Image source, Star/Mirror

There is only one story in town on the back pages on Wednesday.

After Newcastle's initial bid for Hugo Ekitike was turned down by Eintracht Frankfurt, we reported on Tuesday that Liverpool are eyeing up a record deal for forward Alexander Isak.

Liverpool are expected to rival Newcastle United for 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, after being told 25-year-old striker Alexander Isak is not for sale in this window. (Sky Sports), external

The Magpies feel the leaking of Liverpool's £120m interest is designed to unsettle Sweden international Isak. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle for 27-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Newcastle doing first team business in a transfer window. Who knew?!

Following the exciting signing of Anthony Elanga last week, we are now being linked with Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt. Yes please! Great. I accept.

Much is being made of whether or not this means Alexander Isak is due to move on given he has been playing as a lone striker. I don't think an Ekitike signing, if it happens, means that Isak is going anywhere. We've been crying out for squad depth for nearly two years now. Most teams have more than one dynamic forward option.

Additionally, those of us who have actually watched Alexander Isak play know that he is no stranger to roaming the pitch a little more - dropping deep to collect the ball and playing out wider when he needs to. I think adding a player like Ekitike into the mix will unlock a little more of Isak's ability to score from open play - as well as adding goals to our game from Ekitike directly.

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Cast your minds back a year or so when many of us wondered how Bruno and Tonali would play together. Could they? Would they? Spoiler alert: they could and they did. Just because we haven't seen Isak play effectively with another striker doesn't mean he can't. These are young players who get to train under Eddie Howe. They'll be working together in no time.

It also means Isak can rest a little with the glut of games we have coming up. We know he's had slight injuries here and there and played through them precisely because of our lack of options. Bring Ekitike to Newcastle and watch how he integrates with the rest of the team. Two class lads up top. Can't wait.

And if it does mean Isak is moving on, then we could surely do worse than an exciting new prospect to replace him. The future is still very bright for Newcastle.

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

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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It's not a given that Hugo Ekitike will play second fiddle to Alexander Isak - in fact there is a hope that they could play together.

Newcastle like versatility: they tried to sign Chelsea's Joao Pedro this summer who is another versatile striker. I don't expect them to switch formation for the first game of the season, but this move would allow a greater scope to change tactics throughout the game.

The message is still that Isak is not for sale. Newcastle are determined to keep him and don't need to sell for financial reasons. They are in the Champions League next season and want to be competitive in the league and all the cups so, even before Callum Wilson left, they were always going to need another striker.

Ekitike has the profile they want and allows them team to be so much more flexible tactically.

Newcastle have quality but often at times last season lacked depth. This signing would tick both of those boxes.

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Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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Newcastle's interest in Hugo Ekitike dates back to at least January 2022, when he rejected a move from Reims.

Newcastle tried again that summer but eventually bought Alexander Isak - and the question now is what bringing in Ekitike would mean for the Magpies' current club record signing.

While sceptics might view Ekitike as a replacement for the much-coveted Isak, it is believed Newcastle plan to play them together - as well as switch between the two as they navigate a crowded fixture list following their return to the Champions League.

Isak played 98% of his Premier League minutes last season as a striker, otherwise featuring on the left of a front three. His central role in Newcastle's attack is surely not to be messed with, given a return of 23 goals in 34 games.

However, a similar argument could be made for Ekitike. He scored 15 league goals in 31 starts for Eintracht Frankfurt last season and played as a striker 95% of the time, with just 3% spent on the left wing.

Besides, Newcastle are well-stocked in wide areas with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and new £55m signing Anthony Elanga.

Touch maps for both forwards reveal they share a tendency to get on the ball in the inside left channel, but with Ekitike roaming more freely and a little deeper.

This perhaps offers encouragement for believing they can play alongside each other, with Ekitite at times dropping back to link with the midfielders. He is a provider as well as a scorer, ranking in the top 6% among forwards for creating chances in last season's Bundesliga.

Ekitike also successfully forged a strike partnership with Omar Marmoush before the Egyptian was sold to Manchester City in January.

Isak, as a more orthodox number nine, performs a different role to Marmoush but possesses a similar game intelligence. In other words, he would adapt – but what about the rest of the Newcastle side? Their midfield three is considered one of the best in the Premier League but the team structure would need to change if Ekitike and Isak were to be paired in attack.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

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