Newcastle United

Newcastle United's talks with midfielder Joelinton are progressing well and the 27-year-old is close to signing a new contract with the club. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

Manchester United are yet to agree a compensation deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth and may have to wait some months before they can appoint him as their sporting director. (Guardian, external)

Want more transfer stories and gossip? Read Wednesday's full column

Matty Renton
Fan writer

What a week for Newcastle United. A week which could have lasting effects on determining their season. Seven points out of a possible nine means they are well and truly in the European mix.

As I have been saying throughout the campaign, any pressure that has been on Eddie Howe is absolutely ridiculous. He is performing more miracles this season than last.

To be two points off Manchester United in sixth, with the injury crisis, the Sandro Tonali situation and everything else he has faced is unbelievable.

As always, he has dealt with it in a calm, respectful manner. Not once has Howe blamed officials for VAR decisions - like the one that knocked the Magpies out of the Champions League against Paris St-Germain.

Not once has he complained at the outrageous cup draws - the group of death in Europe or the domestic cup draws away to the top teams like Manchester City.

Most impressive of all, not once has Eddie berated the injury crisis and blamed bad luck for bad results - even after having the most days missed because of injuries in the Premier League this season by a country mile. And, even now, still having a better unavailable 11 than a fully fit one.

Howe carries himself and his team with respect, intelligence and dignity. Seven games remain in what has been a rollercoaster of a season, but sixth place is still in our hands.

Any form of European football would be a success this season, but if we could finish above Manchester United and get sixth... in the words of Kevin Keegan: "I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it!"

Matty Renton can be found at The Magpie Channel TV, external

Liverpool, Newcastle United and AC Milan are considering a move for Leeds United's 22-year-old Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville. (Football Transfers), external

Everton can expect offers for Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana with former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness saying the club could get up to £70m for the 22-year-old amid interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham. (Football Insider), external

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

We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Newcastle United.

Here are some of your responses:

Fulham fans

Gilo: A very disappointing day. There was not enough pressure on the ball out of possession and we were so predictable when attacking. Plus our indecisiveness when on goal meant there were far fewer shots on target. It was lame all over.

Will: We had so many chances and so much possession, yet there is nothing to show for it. It was a shame to lose at home, after our great home record, but we just cannot take our chances. I thought we could perhaps steal it after their goal was ruled out, but it wasn't to be.

Philly: If you look at the club's finances overall, we are punching above our weight.

Newcastle fans

Joseph: We rode our luck in the first half and were very open at times in defence, but the lads seemed to grow in confidence and began to take the fight to Fulham in the second period. The result is all that matters in this one though and it keeps us firmly in the hunt for European football, of some sort, next season.

Andy: Longstaff and Krafth were dreadful again. They are not good enough and are Championship players at best. In my opinion, they are only in the team because our injury list is as long the M5 motorway. This is an issue that needs looking at. There must be issues with the training or something because we have had over 40 injuries so far. That is horrendous. It was a vital three points though and we are still in it.

Richard: Walking away from that match, I feel like football is hard work to watch sometimes. I mean, most of that just wasn't enjoyable! Fulham had a lot of the ball but they managed the same number of clear-cut chances as the Toon. We somehow found the energy from somewhere at the end, and I think it was pure adrenaline! Still, somehow, we won!

Vernon: For a team that is still running on a very depleted squad, they are still proving to be a nuisance to the so-called 'Big Six'. European football is still on the cards. Come on the Toon!

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra match commentary in full:

Everton v Burnley

Brighton v Arsenal

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle showed great character in their late win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, especially after having a goal ruled out.

The returning Anthony Gordon was once again brilliant for the Magpies, as they knew only three points would be enough if they are to secure a spot in Europe next season.

After experiencing what the Champions League is like, and being allowed to dream, would the Europa Conference League suffice?

West Ham fans' experiences will tell you yes, and Newcastle might be thinking they want a piece of that glory.

However, we can forget about the Conference League for a moment because Eddie Howe's side are just one point adrift of Manchester United in sixth.

After attempting to earn a place in Europe's elite competition, Erik ten Hag's side are now looking over their shoulders.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to Premier League Productions after the win: "Really pleased with 60 minutes, I think the first thirty we looked really tired - two games in a week with a very small squad - after that, they gave everything. We really did improve the performance and it was a brilliant win."

On the disallowed goal: "Live, I thought it was a goal. Dan [Burn] jumped aggressively but fairly. I wasn't surprised it went to VAR because these things normally do, but then I thought VAR would say it was fine.

"Then I thought the referee would go over and review his decision, which he gave as a goal, I thought he would have the strong mindset to have a look, but he didn't. I thought it was a perfectly good goal [which was] ruled out."

On Newcastle looking tired: "It was about switching the mindset really. Like I said, in the opening period we looked really lethargic and Fulham controlled things and played really well.

"Often the third game in a week is difficult, especially going away from home and not being able to rotate the players you want to. We did well not to concede and had some luck doing it too.

"But [after] a few harsh words, the lads were harsh with themselves as well, and second half we saw a completely different team that deserved to win in the end."

On chasing the European football spots: "Well that is seven points from nine we have taken since the break. We were aiming for nine, but seven we will take and we move on to another home game.

"The players will have the chance to rest a bit. We will count the bodies and get ready for Tottenham."

On Bruno Guimaraes: "Firstly, he is very defensively intelligent, very aggressive and physical. His main quality though, of course, is with the ball. His technical ability, which we didn't see early in the game, because we didn't have the ball. Second half, we saw plenty of that and I thought he was instrumental in us coming here and getting the win."

On Bruno's future at the club: "No, I wouldn't say that is a conversation we are having. He has got a contract, a long contract, he signed a new deal this season. When a player does that he commits himself to you for a number of years.

"Of course, in the modern game, things can change but he looks happy. I see a player happy in the group, on the training pitch, off the pitch as well. So I would hope we can do enough to keep him here."

Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Fulham and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

• Newcastle have won their last five Premier League games against Fulham. The Magpies have only had a longer winning run in the competition against Tottenham (six games) in December 2008.

• Having won just one of their first 10 Premier League away games this season (D2 L7), Newcastle have now won three of their last five away matches (L2). They have also kept their first clean sheet on the road in the league since their 8-0 win over Sheffield United in September 2023.

• Fulham have lost consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since December, while they failed to score in the competition for the first time since a goalless draw against Everton in January.

• Bruno Guimaraes scored his third goal in his last four Premier League away games, one more than in his previous 28 such games in the competition (two goals).

• Fulham's 67.3% share of possession was their highest in a Premier League game, which Marco Silva's side has lost, since April 2023 against West Ham United (76.6% and a 1-0 defeat).

Newcastle match-winner Bruno Guimaraes has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the win: "What day, what a day for me! The first 20 minutes was not good enough from us, but after that, and in the second half, it was an unbelievable performance from everyone.

"100 games for the club, wow! What a journey I have been living here! I am very happy, glad. Everyone deserved to win the game today. The feeling against Everton, to lose the win in the last minutes, hurt a lot. So to get here today, 100 games and score, what a day!"

On the slow start: "We did not start well, so slow with and without the ball. We gave them so much time in between the lines and on the ball. We were not Newcastle United. At half-time, the gaffer said a few things to change and in the second half we were Newcastle United."

On responding to the disallowed goal: "It was a moment when the fans were singing a lot, a very good moment to score. I was looking forward to getting this goal for a long time. It was a good moment to score and win the game, and I think we could have scored a second but also to not concede today was the most important."

On receiving no bookings since January: "It is hard because for me when I play for this club. I give everything, I am aggressive, so it is hard not to get yellow cards. I love to play football with energy and sometimes I am a little bit too strong.

"I spoke to the manager and he told me to play smarter. I have been doing this and there is just one more game to avoid one."

On making 100 appearances for Newcastle: "I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings, let's see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United."

Bruno Guimaraes scored his fourth goal of the season as Newcastle beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian struck the winner inside the last 10 minutes after good work from substitute Harvey Barnes, shortly after Fabian Schar had an effort ruled out.

Newcastle are now one point adrift of sixth-placed Manchester United and firmly in the tussle for a place in Europe next season.

Willian, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz missed great chances for Marco Silva's home side as Fulham stayed in 13th place.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Fulham fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Newcastle fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries:

• Everton v Burnley

• Brighton v Arsenal

All kick-off times BST

Listen to radio commentaries and follow live text updates here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on darts stars Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall, who both support Manchester United.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Newcastle's inconsistency means they are turning into the new Chelsea - which is not a good thing for them, or for the sake of my predictions.

Fulham have been up and down as well, but they are usually more reliable at home and the Magpies' squad is still stretched by injuries and some of their players appear to be running on empty.

Compared with last season, Newcastle's defensive record is significantly worse this time - they conceded 33 goals in 38 games in 2022-23 but have already shipped 52 in 30 matches so far in this campaign.

A lot of that is down to the fact their regular back five from last season - defenders Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Shar and Sven Botman, plus goalkeeper Nick Pope - have missed so many games this time.

Those five players all started at least 35 league games last season, but there has been nothing like the same continuity in recent months.

That's a major reason why teams have been able to get at them, and I am expecting Fulham to do the same on Saturday.

Littler's prediction: Rodrigo Muniz is in great form for Fulham but Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes are playing really well for Newcastle. 1-3

Aspinall's prediction: I am going to go for another away win here. Newcastle are not in their best form at the moment, but my mate Chris Dobey [who took on Sutton in week 17] is a Geordie so I am going to stick by him. 2-3

See the full list of predictions

Image source, Getty Images

Journalist Miles Stanforth has been reflecting on his career covering the Magpies on the latest episode of the Total Sport: Newcastle United Podcast.

"I've actually got a few Bobby Robson stories," he said. "He actually thought my name was a nom de plume - a made-up name - when he first saw it in The Chronicle.

"You can understand why, I guess.

"In my first year or two, one of my colleagues had the story that one of Bobby's coaches, Mick Wadsworth, was going to go to Southampton.

"The sports editor at the time asked me if I could canvas some fan opinion on what this will mean and Mick had been involved in one or two of the less successful signings of the first year or two. Fan opinion wasn't that favourable.

"I write this piece and next thing I know I get a call from the club saying, 'Bobby wants to see you'. Before that meeting could take place, Bobby convened a press conference at St James' Park on my day off so my colleague went there.

"He was waving a copy of The Chronicle around and saying Mick Wadsworth was going to stay until he read my piece about the fan opinion. Bobby said: 'I spoke to him, persuaded him to stay but then I read The Chronicle.'

"There's so many little stories like that about Bobby."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Manager Eddie Howe says Newcastle United's progress as a club will not hinge on qualifying for the Champions League this season.

In a season littered with injuries, hopes of securing a second successive season in the competition are all but mathematically over.

Their likely absence has led to reports of key names being linked with other clubs but Howe feels there is enough ambition from the club and its owners to keep star players happy.

Asked if European qualification would help that process, he said: "It will help, but I don't think it will be the defining factor. That's in the players' hands and the club's hands. Europe would certainly help.

"A lot will depend on our ambitions and where the club is going to go in the foreseeable future. I don't think one season necessarily dictates that - it's the general feeling of where the club is going to go.

"We, as a football club, need to continue to push forward. You set your ambitions not just in terms of talking, but in actions, so we need to show to them that we are a club moving forward."

Asked about possible interest in the likes of striker Alexander Isak and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, Howe said he does not expect to spend his summer fending off bids.

"In some senses, that's what you want because it means your players are playing at a level that everyone appreciates and I want my players - all of them - to be playing above what they think they're capable of being," said Howe.

"So no, I don't think fear is the right word. I want Alex to keep scoring goals and I want him to keep being in the headlines. I'm sure he wants the same thing. We want to keep him long term.

"Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings. My intention would be to keep Bruno at the club for as long as we possibly can.

"I can never make guarantees, though. That would be absolutely foolish of me. We have been in football long enough to know you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow."

The amount of players Newcastle have lost would cripple any squad.

I was just looking at their injury list and it is madness. No manager can handle that.

Certain things can happen in a season and they were dealt a really tough hand in the Champions League, but if they can finish in the top six then it will still be a really good season for them.

They will probably have wanted more but I think we expect too much of this team.

Newcastle were looking to recruit this summer and strengthen their squad anyway, but now they will have to do so.

But they have financial restraints and there is lots of talk about players leaving for that to happen.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's trip to face Fulham in the Premier League.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe confirmed Tino Livramento is out but his ankle injury is "not as serious as it could have been" and he "could be back quite quickly", while Miguel Almiron "tweaked his knee slightly" which is "not a serious injury but enough to keep him out".

• He says Lewis Hall came off against Everton due to fatigue but will be back training today and is expected to be part of the group for tomorrow's game. Callum Wilson remains out but his rehabilitation is "looking good".

• On Alexander Isak's fine recent form: "When you’ve got any of your attacking players in the form he’s in I think it transforms through the team. He’s in a really good place and it’s great to see him in the type of form he is in. He deserves a lot of credit for how he’s played this year. He’s an exceptional talent and I hope he can get even better from this point - I think there’s more to come from him."

• Howe is disappointed for captain Jamal Lascelles, who will miss six to nine months with a serious knee injury, stating: "A big blow for us and for Jamaal. He’s been excellent this season. Behind the scenes he’s been a key part of our leadership team. Initially for a player it’s difficult to accept that you’re faced with a long period of rehabilitation. He’s had his operation and that was successful so he’s already on the road to recovery."

• On his side's run-in: "I see a lot of teams searching for consistency and searching for a run of victories that will catapult them to where they want to be and we’re one of those teams. Everyone is finding that consistency hard to find so it’s up to us to grab that."

• When asked if Dan Burn's versatility can save the club money this summer, Howe said: "It's always a balance really. You're looking at which player can fill which position. I always say 'the more versatile a player, the more valuable they are'. Players like Dan, that can play different positions, are vital to us."

• Follow the rest of Friday's Premier League news conferences

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's Premier League fixture between Fulham and Newcastle United.

• Newcastle have won their last four Premier League games against Fulham – only against Tottenham, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland have they won more consecutively in the competition.

• Having been unbeaten in all seven of their Premier League away games against London sides last season, Newcastle are winless in all four so far this term. They’ve lost their last three in a row, last losing more consecutively in the capital between January-April 2019.

• Fulham have won nine of their 15 Premier League home games so far this season, their most in a single top-flight campaign since winning 10 in 2011-12. They’ve scored 3+ goals in seven of these victories, last scoring 3+ in more different top-flight home games in 1966-67.

• Across Fulham’s last 20 Premier League matches, there have been 71 goals scored at an average of 3.6 per game. Indeed, since a 0-0 draw with Everton in January, there have been at least three goals scored in each of the Cottagers’ last nine games.

• Rodrigo Muniz has scored in his last four Premier League home games, netting six goals in total in this run. It’s the longest scoring streak a Fulham player has had at home in the competition’s history.

• Aleksander Isak has scored five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances in London for Newcastle and is averaging a goal every 105 minutes in the capital, the best ratio of any Magpies player to play 200+ minutes for the club in London.