Newcastle have been forced to abandon plans for a mid-season break in the Middle East after the outbreak of war, Confidential can reveal.
Eddie Howe and the players who are not involved in this month’s internationals were in line to visit Dubai after the Tyne-Wear derby on March 22. The trip would have combined a training camp and the chance to recharge ahead of the final run of fixtures.
However, with Dubai caught up in the conflict involving the USA, Israel and Iran, travel to the region is not currently deemed safe. Defender Fabian Schar was recently forced to sleep in the bunker of a hotel in the Middle East after bombing began, as he continued his rehabilitation programme following ankle surgery.
It is likely that Newcastle’s staff and players will instead be given some time off at the start of the international break rather than head abroad as a group.
Meanwhile, Confidential reported two weeks ago that plans for pre-season would be unlikely to include a long-haul jaunt to the United States or Far East. We can confirm that is now the case and Newcastle are set to make a decision on which of Austria, Portugal or Spain they will base themselves in. The pre-season camp will include friendly matches which supporters will be able to attend.
Had Newcastle opted for a tour of the United States – and they were in talks with organisers – they would have played Sunderland, Liverpool and Wrexham in a four-team tournament. However, it was decided that a European stay made more sense from a sporting perspective. Leeds have taken the place that US organisers had earmarked for Newcastle.
Fabian Schar was forced to hide in a Middle East bunker as he recovers from surgery he had in January
Toon WILL hunt another striker
Newcastle are in the market for a new striker this summer, despite spending £124million on the position last year.
Howe’s decision not to start with either of those buys, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, for Tuesday’s Champions League tie at home to Barcelona raised eyebrows in some quarters, and the pair did not get off the bench during the 1-1 draw. Howe preferred to start with Will Osula and then bring on Anthony Gordon, who was not well enough to feature from the off.
It should, then, come as no surprise that the club are working on identifying a new striker to bring in this summer, and it remains to be seen what that means for the futures of Woltemade and Wissa.
Various names have been circling in scouting and agent circles in recent days, and my colleague Simon Jones has reported how Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has emerged as a potential target.
Newcastle have watched Inter Milan’s exciting forward Pio Esposito, but the feeling right now is that his asking price would be beyond their financial range. It was reported in Italy last year that Inter had already rejected a £42m offer for the 20-year-old, who has since scored three times from five matches for his country.
Liam Delap is another name to keep an eye on, say sources, even if there is no indication at present that Chelsea would be looking to sell this summer.
Newcastle wanted to sign Delap last year before he chose the Blues, where he has scored only once in the Premier League amid limited opportunities. For now, Newcastle are exploring other options in what is a difficult position to recruit.
Newcastle have watched Inter Milan’s exciting forward Pio Esposito (centre), but the feeling right now is that his asking price would be beyond their financial range
Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has also emerged as a potential striker target for Newcastle this summer
Cologne winger on radar
This column reported last month how Union Saint-Gilloise right winger Anan Khalaili was admired by recruitment chiefs – and now they are taking a close look at Cologne left winger Said El Mala.
Recent scouting missions to Germany are said to have taken in matches involving the 19-year-old, who has scored eight times in the Bundesliga. The Germany Under-21 star can also operate as a striker.
The likes of Khalaili, 21, and El Mala are the profile of young winger Newcastle want to sign this summer, although competition for the latter is said to be strong.
El Mala was on the losing side as Cologne were beaten 2-1 by Dortmund at the weekend, with Gregor Kobel the goalkeeper for the victors. He is another that Newcastle are tracking.
Newcastle are taking a close look at Cologne left winger Said El Mala and have conducted regular scouting trips to watch the 19-year-old play
Bruno injury boost
Reports from Brazil last month claimed Bruno Guimaraes would only return from injury towards the end of April – but that forecast is not shared on Tyneside.
Indeed, Confidential can reveal that, were Newcastle to make it past Barcelona next week, there is every chance the captain could feature in a quarter-final first leg on April 7/8. If not, the target will be the trip to Crystal Palace scheduled for April 11. He has been missing with a hamstring injury since February 10.
And in equally encouraging news, Schar is also set to return from his ankle lay-off in the same week.
The defender returned to the grass this week and there are said to be no ill-effects following successful surgery. It means both Guimaraes and Schar should be available for the final seven matches of the Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, Lewis Miley is on track to feature in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie in Barcelona, should he come through training this week. The teenager has been nursing muscle damage in his thigh since the end of January.
That leaves only Emil Krafth in the treatment room, and his season is over following knee surgery.
If Newcastle make it past Barcelona next week, there is every chance Bruno Guimaraes (centre) could feature in a quarter-final first leg on April 7/8
Tuchel impressed by Hall
Thomas Tuchel was in the stands for Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City at the weekend, and he will include Lewis Hall when he names his England squad next week.
Left back has been a problem position under the German and this is the first time he’s been able to call on a fit and in-form Hall. Confidential understands another contender for the position, Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, is less likely to win a recall.
Tuchel will also include Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn for the Wembley friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, and Tino Livramento is likely to be involved despite him still building fitness after injury.
Tuchel likes Livramento’s ability to play on both sides of the defence and he will want to name as close a squad this time to the one he intends to take to North America in June.
Thomas Tuchel was in the stands for Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City at the weekend, and he will include Lewis Hall when he names his England squad next week
Home improvements at St James’
Finally, some good news for match-going supporters at St James’ Park – the club are investing in significantly improving the mobile-phone coverage on offer.
Confidential understands that, as part of a £1million facelift, the 5G coverage will be strengthened. At present, fans struggle to get a signal during the game, especially at half-time.
There will also be FOUR giant screens installed inside St James’. The one that currently shows information and replays cannot be seen by supporters in the East Stand and the majority of the Gallowgate End.
However, every seat inside the stadium will have eyeballs on a giant screen once work is completed ahead of next season. The 5G strengthening should be apparent in the coming months.
Toon Teaser
It’s Toon Teaser time!
Andros Townsend (left) is one of 11 players to have scored for both Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League – did you remember him in last week’s Toon Teaser?
Last time, we asked you to name the ELEVEN players to have scored for Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League.
They were; Peter Beardsley, Duncan Ferguson, Anthony Gordon, Dan Gosling, Marc Hottiger, Alessandro Pistone, Salomon Rondon, Louis Saha, Gary Speed, Andros Townsend and Steve Watson.
This week, we want you to name the SEVEN players to have scored for Newcastle and Chelsea in the Premier League. Good luck!
