A round-up of your Newcastle United evening headlines on Friday, 1 April.
Scott Parker hints Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could sign permanently at Bournemouth
Scott Parker has flirted with the idea of keeping Newcastle United loanee Freddie Woodman despite a frustrating stint so far. The former Toon captain - currently in charge of Championship high flyers Bournemouth - took a punt on the 25-year-old, who had fallen down the pecking order on Tyneside.
Steve Bruce gave the England U20 World Cup winner a chance at the start of the campaign due to injuries to Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow. However, he lasted just four games before a horror show at Manchester United saw him dropped from the side.
Woodman moved to the south coast in January until the end of the season but things have only gone from bad to worse. He has struggled to dislodge first-choice goalkeeper Mark Travers, with his only appearance coming in the shock 1-0 defeat to non-league outfit Boreham Wood.
Despite Woodman’s struggles, Parker hinted he may still consider making the move permanent in the summer. "Yeah, maybe," the Cherries boss told DorsetLive. “There's definitely that possibility. I've been very impressed with Fred."
Eddie Howe verdict on Newcastle midfield battle with some facing disappointment at Tottenham
Eddie Howe has given his view on the Newcastle United midfield battle ahead of the trip to Tottenham Hotspur's state of the art stadium this weekend.
There's no doubt that Howe now has a squad all vying for a place to play on one of the most impressive stages in world football this weekend in North London. But somebody will miss out and Howe knows it will be a tough decision.
Should the United head coach go for a 4-3-3 formation then at least one big-name will be on the bench with Joelinton, Bruno, Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock all battling for spots.
The huge Kieran Trippier bonus Newcastle United could be handed today amid Callum Wilson update
Eddie Howe is hoping to have Kieran Trippier back "quite quickly" providing Newcastle United get the news they are hoping for from a scan today.
The England full-back has been putting the hours in since breaking a bone in his foot against Aston Villa earlier this season but is close to a return. And Howe can't wait to have the influential star back at his disposal.
Trippier rocked into the dressing room in January and quickly became a leader and demonstrated the type of communication skills that helped England to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final in recent years.
Howe was able to offer a positive update and said today: "Kieran has a scan on his foot today to see how that's healed. Hopefully the scan goes well and then we can push him quite quickly to get him back - so we're hoping for good news."
'Nobody like him' - Eddie Howe gives Allan Saint-Maximin selection hint after social media storm
Allan Saint-Maximin trained well during Newcastle United's stay in Dubai and is back in contention to start in the Premier League again. The 25-year-old has been in and out of the side under Howe in the last few weeks due to a knock followed by an illness, but he is getting back up to speed. Saint-Maximin has five goals and three assists to his name so far this season.
When asked about Saint-Maximin's chances at Spurs, Howe said: "Mentally he's very good, he trained really well in the period we had away. If my memory is right he had a groin injury then a bad illness.
Eddie Howe talks about his key role as Newcastle transfer guru while Dan Ashworth wait continues
Eddie Howe says that Newcastle United can get through the summer window without a director of football being appointed. But admits that the club's transfer structure must be improved.
Howe dovetailed with the club's board and head of recruitment Steve Nickson during the January transfer window to line stars such as Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood and Matt Targett in the winter trading period. The Chronicle reported two months ago that Dan Ashworth's move to Newcastle had been held up due to compensation and with Brighton playing hardball this could take until November.
Howe said: "Whatever the situation is, I can adapt and overcome. When I first came in, I said that appointing a sporting director is a matter of urgency for the club, because we need those structures that help the club improve."
Eddie Howe could disappoint Callum Wilson with injury plan as Newcastle striker eyes return
There's a reason Eddie Howe is paid the big bucks. Tough calls are part of the job and telling a goal-hungry striker that he can't play is just one of them.
Callum Wilson this week admitted his injury was going in the right direction, with the striker hoping for a few games before the summer break. “The injury is going in the right direction. I’m jogging now, which is positive, (I am) increasing day by day, working harder and ticking different boxes off," he said.
"You know how it is when you're going back for an injury. You've got to hit certain markers before you can go into the next stage of your rehab. So just building up that load really, and then, soon, the comeback will be there."
