Newcastle focus turns to Barcelona after Man City setback
Port Vale’s Ben Waine, a Newcastle fan, scored to knock Sunderland out of the FA Cup 1-0, celebrating with Shearer’s iconic salute after a looping header at Vale Park.
Fermin Lopez says Barcelona expect a ‘very physical’ test at St James’ Park after a 1-0 win at Athletic Club. Barca beat Newcastle 2-1 there earlier this season, with the last-16 first leg on 10 March.
Howe reflects on 3-1 Man City loss, saying Newcastle ‘ran out of gas’ after a strong start, cited technical errors and City’s control of the ball, and called for support ahead of Barcelona in Europe.
Report says Lewis Miley is ‘as close to unsellable as you can get’. The 19-year-old excels at right-back and in midfield, is seen as a future captain, and is not for sale despite links to Crystal Palace.
Barcelona arrive on Tyneside 48 hours early for the Champions League tie at St James’ Park. Yamal, Lewandowski and Rashford travel, while De Jong, Kounde, Christensen and Balde are absent. Gavi not cleared to play.
Column defends Eddie Howe amid ‘Howe Out’ noise, arguing Saudi owners have underdelivered, sold Alexander Isak, and failed on infrastructure, leaving Newcastle mid-table as Champions League exit looms.
Daily Mail link Newcastle with summer move for Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, who worked under Howe at Bournemouth. Spurs’ relegation fight could force a sale, with Newcastle reassessing striker options.
Report says Man City and Man United will battle for ex-Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson, sold to Forest for £35m. Newcastle are not in the race, with Forest likely to cash in if relegated.
Report claims Man City are favourites to sign Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento for about £70m, with Guardiola seeking a natural right-back. Livramento is under contract to 2028 but has had injury issues.
Opinion backs Newcastle to beat Barcelona over two legs, citing Barca’s recent defeats and potential returns for Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Tino Livramento, plus boosts from Ramsey, Burn and Barnes.
Barcelona expect Marc Bernal to be available against Newcastle after ‘stomach problems’ ended Athletic Club outing. The 18-year-old avoided injury amid De Jong’s absence.
Newcastle send an emissary to Brazil to monitor Palmeiras midfielder Allan, 21, amid interest from Liverpool. Palmeiras, led by Leila Pereira, are resisting sales, so contacts focus on agents and groundwork.
