Newcastle United

Newcastle and Arsenal could move for Germany winger Leroy Sane, 28, who is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich.(Caught Offside), external

The Magpies are among a host of Premier League clubs interested in Lille's 24-year-old England midfielder Angel Gomes, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external

Manchester United and Liverpool for Borussia Dortmund's 22-year-old Germany forward Karim Adeyemi. (Teamtalk), external

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

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Take a look at the Premier League table - go on, I'll wait - and tell me what you see. That’s right, it’s Newcastle United sitting pretty at third with an unbeaten start to the season.

Some might say pride comes before a fall and, true though that may be, let us have this. Last season was so hard. Please let me gloat a little.

What is most interesting to me about our unbeaten run and good start to the season is that it actually... hasn’t been that good.

It is our best start on paper since 1995-96 and, of course, ultimately results speak the loudest. But watching Newcastle for the first four games this season (plus one cup game) hasn’t been the easiest.

Are we seeing a pattern? When Eddie Howe took over, it was said that "intensity is our identity". Last season, it felt more like inconsistency was our identity. Now it is looking like grinding out ugly wins is our identity. Definitely a less catchy one, that one.

Even the players are being asked about it. Post-match on Sunday they were asked if they could play better. Yes, was the obvious answer, and that is definitely how the fans feel.

The slight irritation that comes when watching us concede is simply that we know we can do better - we want to see our team cruise this after such a tough season last time.

Perhaps it is more useful to call it frustration as often the performance seems to have come down to team selection in the first place.

We made three substitutions at half time against Wolves - incredibly unusual from Howe - and after that, were able to play in a much more direct way resulting in two beautiful goals.

So, ugly wins but beautiful goals. There’s some poetry in that. I’ll take it, for now.

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

Everton boss Sean Dyche is considering a shock move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to replace fellow England international Jordan Pickford. (Mirror), external

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

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

A Newcastle related question was put to chief footballer writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.

Finley asked: Do you believe Newcastle’s early season form, even without playing at their best, suggests they are strong Champions League contenders again this season?

Phil answered: It has been an excellent start for Eddie Howe’s team, Finley, and while I think the top three places will still be Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool (in that order) I do still think there is an opportunity for fourth for the chasing pack – and while I picked Newcastle to finish ninth they can still force their way in there.

There has been lots of talk about what Newcastle haven’t got after a disappointing transfer window when sporting director Paul Mitchell failed to deliver Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi or any other key signings, but it is also well worth remembering they still have some very fine players.

Alexander Isak is a high-class striker while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes – who has produced real touches of class to score against Spurs and Wolves – provide genuine quality out wide. The return of Sandro Tonali from suspension is also an upgrade for last season’s squad, when he missed most of the campaign.

I still have Newcastle as outsiders to make the top four, I have a fancy for Aston Villa, but there is absolutely no reason why they should not set their sights on it because there is a little gap in that particular market.

Read Phil's other responses and much more on Monday's football live page

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after the Magpies' second-half come-back against Wolves on Sunday.

Schar brought Newcastle back level with Wolves in the 75th minute but it was an outstanding strike from Harvey Barnes that gave Newcastle the three points.

Schar said: "When you're 1-0 down away from home after half-time and come back, it's always a great achievement.

"Big credit to the team. Big win".

This was Schar's first game back having served a three-match suspension.

He said: "I was hungry to play and desperate to be on the pitch again."

And speaking about team-mate Barnes' goal, Schar said: "It was even better than mine, I have to say. Great goal. I'm really pleased for him and the whole team."

Schar described the result as a "massive" win as the Magpies extended their unbeaten start.

"It's been a great start, we're happy with the first few games," he added.

"I think we know that we can perform a lot better, but most important are the results and I think that if we can improve the performances as well, we have lots to achieve. So, we can build on the first four, five games and keep going."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Duane So full of hope after the first half. We had chances to kill it but were undone by two sucker punches. We really need to find that ability to push on in winning positions. If we don't, by the time the easier matches come we will be totally devoid of confidence.

Chris: I had fears when I saw the teamsheet. I thought that, except for Cunha, Dawson, Semedo and Ait-Nori, our strongest team was on the bench. Schoolboy errors in defending by failing to cover the long-range shooter. This is the result of selling your best players and not giving the new men time to bed in.

John: Far too easy for Newcastle. Get rid of O'Neil before it's too late.

Newcastle fans

Andy: Seemed better in the early stages of the first half that we had played all season. Then the rot set in again and we lost the control and allowed Wolves to cause us problems. Barnes and Tonali changed the game. Longstaff should only ever be a sub - he hasn't got what it takes at the level we need to press forward.

Mark: Early on, we dominated without a clear threat. Lucky only to concede one. Late on, we stretched their defence well, without getting down the sides to feed in crosses. In the end, two well-taken shots from the edge of the box were the difference. The defensive structure is working well for now but may come under pressure against top-four contenders.

Joe: We got lucky. We haven’t been the better team in a single game this season. If Eddie Howe doesn’t sort it before his luck runs out, both he and the club could be in big trouble.