Newcastle draw Barcelona, Howe shuts down Gordon talk
Newcastle host Everton seeking to halt four losses in five. Predicted XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes. Kick-off 15:00 GMT at St James’ Park.
Newcastle draw Barcelona in the Champions League last 16. First leg at St James’ Park on 10-11 March, return at Camp Nou on 17-18 March. Winners meet Atletico Madrid or Tottenham. Brutal March schedule awaits.
Odysseas Vlachodimos, thriving on loan at Sevilla, wants a permanent move. He says he is ‘very happy’ there but admits Newcastle decide his future, with his St James’ Park deal running to 2028.
Report claims Arsenal could move for Sandro Tonali if he asks to leave Newcastle, with a fee around £100m mentioned. Newcastle were unwilling to sell in January.
Newcastle monitor Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno amid Lewis Hall injury concerns. The Spain U21 international, under contract to 2028, is being scouted ahead of a potential summer move.
Off-field: Kieran Trippier, 35, was seen in Newcastle with OnlyFans model Kehlani Webster after confirming divorce last year. No impact on Newcastle United football matters noted.
Newcastle will be without captain Bruno Guimaraes for both legs vs Barcelona due to a right hamstring injury. Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento are also doubts, while first leg is on 10 March.
Eddie Howe dismisses Arsenal links to Anthony Gordon as ‘irrelevant’, urging the winger to ignore speculation and stay focused amid Newcastle’s hectic schedule and fixtures.
