Newcastle plans, Schar contract push and Hall interest
Positive Newcastle opinion piece on a £70m-rated star.
Newcastle are chasing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. Ex-Magpies keeper Tim Krul says “Newcastle are after him”, while AZ have tasked Jorge Mendes to help seek €60m, though Dutch voices suggest €15m is more realistic. The 20-year-old is under contract to 2028.
Denmark have called up Newcastle striker William Osula for the 2026 World Cup play-offs against North Macedonia, then Ireland or Czechia if they progress. A competitive cap would tie him to Denmark over Nigeria.
The Premier League Key Match Incidents panel ruled, by a 3-2 vote, that Jacob Ramsey’s second yellow for an alleged dive against Manchester United was wrong, noting his left foot appeared to slip. VAR cannot review second yellows until 2026/27.
Sunderland assess injuries before visiting Newcastle, with 18-year-old Chris Rigg pushing to start after a standout display. The hosts’ derby stakes and bragging rights frame a must-not-lose for Sunderland.
Report claims Eddie Howe wants Fabian Schar to sign a new deal before June. The 34-year-old, out with an ankle injury, is eyed by other clubs, with contract length the main hurdle to an extension.
Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Brighton have Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz on their agenda and will send scouts to watch him against Liverpool. The 25-year-old has 10 goals and 14 assists this season, with offers in the summer considered highly likely despite a contract to 2028.
Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are monitoring Lewis Hall, but Newcastle are reluctant to sell. Price touted around €75m after his €33m move from Chelsea. Premier League rivals also scouting him.
Sheffield Wednesday have taken Newcastle midfielder Matty Taylor and Bradford’s Joel Martin on trial as they assess youth additions amid restrictions, with both expected to be free agents this summer.
Early FPL ‘bus team’ targets a Newcastle triple-up v injury-hit Sunderland, with Anthony Gordon prominent and Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale in contention for clean-sheet potential in the derby.
Clinton Morrison’s team of the weekend includes Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon after the 1-0 win at Chelsea, where Gordon scored.
Howe expected to recall Gordon up front and Barnes left, with Tonali likely to return. Trippier or Livramento at right-back, Burn with Thiaw, Hall at left-back, Ramsdale in goal. Woltemade benched.
