Your Newcastle United headlines for Saturday, March 25.
Isak on Toon move
Alexander Isak has dismissed the notion that he joined Newcastle United for any other reason apart from "the sporting aspect".
"The basis for me when I went to Newcastle was the sporting aspect," Isak told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen. "That’s what I value most when choosing a club. That was the most important thing for me. Then how situations look in different countries is not for me to answer."
Isak was also asked about the squad's trip to Saudi Arabia last year, saying: "The experience I’ve had hasn’t been bad, but I’m not knowledgeable enough to give a detailed answer. We are owned by a Saudi fund, and therefore it’s not very strange that we can go there for training camps."
Probed on whether footballers face too much scrutiny on this kind of subject matter, he responded: "In some ways. At the same time, I can understand that the questions are being asked, but I also think there should be an understanding that when you make a career choice, it's mainly what’s best for your career. I was very happy with this choice I made. I still am."
To read more, click here.
Tierney tipped for Toon move
Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney has been urged to ditch Arsenal for Newcastle United in the upcoming summer transfer window by former Celtic star Alan Stubbs.
"I don’t think Kieran will struggle for options," he told Grosvenor Sport. "He will have plenty of admirers in the Premier League and in Europe. It does look like he will have to leave Arsenal to get more game time.
"I was surprised they signed Oleksandr Zinchenko because Kieran had done very well and the fans liked him – even although he had some injury problems – but Zinchenko is Mikel’s No 1 and Kieran can’t get in the team.
"Newcastle are reputedly in the market and that looks like a good move to me. It’s closer to home as well but they are a team on the rise and I can see that one happening. They have big plans and I’m sure their ambitions will match Kieran's."
To read more, click here.
Supermac column on Kane record
As an old goalscoring centre-forward myself I must doff my cap to Harry Kane. Goals are what make a No 9 - I am proud that I hold the record for scoring the most England goals in a single international at Wembley after notching all five in a European qualifier against Cyprus during my time as a Newcastle player.
Therefore I must pay tribute to Kane for beating yet another goals record a couple of days back. Kane became England's all-time top scorer notching his 54th with his winning penalty in Italy.
Considering he only recently plundered Tottenham's club record taking it off my boyhood hero Jimmy Greaves there is no doubting Kane's finishing ability. His next big target must be Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals. Kane has 204 and as he is only 29 years of age if he stays in this country and stays healthy then he can top Newcastle's finest.
To read Malcolm's full column, click here.
Isak tipped for hero status
Former Premier League striker Robbie Earle has tipped Alexander Isak to become a Newcastle United legend. Despite his heroics in recent weeks, Toon supporters have only seen glimpses of the Sweden striker’s abilities.
A lengthy injury earlier in the season just weeks after his eye-catching debut at Anfield teased Newcastle fans but Isak is now back to his electric best. Match-winning performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have crowned the 23-year-old as the Magpies’ main man up front.
“My underappreciated performer of the week goes to Alexander Isak,” he told NBC Sports. “I think it's like six Premier League goals now. He started this season and got an injury so it's been a stop-start since his club-record move to Newcastle.
“He looks like a threat. He is a good runner, a good dribbler, holds it (the ball) up well and looks intelligent. Good technique, nice finishing off both feet. That first volley was a lovely finish where he controlled the ball behind him.
“He could be the next big-time Newcastle United centre-forward. A black-and-white hero for that football club, who love their strikers up there. There isn’t a better position in Premier League football than a free-scoring striker for Newcastle United."
To read more, click here.
Masters calls for transparency
Premier League supremo Richard Masters admits that there needs to be more transparency for top-flight clubs - three years after Newcastle United fans were left in the dark over their club's projected sale.
Masters and Co eventually rubber-stamped Newcastle's takeover as Mike Ashley handed the keys to the Saudi-backed PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben family. But speaking at the launch of the Premier League Fan Engagement Standard Masters feels that fans deserve more insight on the running of clubs.
The Prem's CEO said: "It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs. The Standard puts structures in place to establish consistency across the League and improve transparency.
"Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next step in enhancing these collective efforts. It builds on existing work and is integral to ensuring fan consultation and regular dialogue is embedded across all policies and practices."
To read more, click here.
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