A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Friday, 27 May.
Newcastle in talks to secure Dan Ashworth's release early from Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United have made an attempt to bring in Dan Ashworth in time for the start of the summer transfer window. The Magpies have long been in negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion on a compensation package with the South Coast club.
But Ashworth remains on gardening leave and as things stand is locked in a contractual obligation until November. Newcastle 's co-owners are currently engaged in talks to end that situation as soon as possible.
Eddie Howe and his backroom staff, including head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his scouting team, have been acting as a makeshift transfer team. But with sides like Aston Villa already off and running in the summer window, which opens on June 10, Newcastle's bosses know that things need to start moving.
Dan Ashworth may help Newcastle raise millions in different transfer strategy to Aston Villa
Dan Ashworth may be finally able to put down his trowel after Newcastle United reopened talks with Brighton.
Ashworth, of course, was put on gardening leave by the Seagulls after resigning as technical director last February to take up a new role with Newcastle, but his notice period does not run out until November. Although Newcastle's owners are determined not to be held to ransom by Brighton, it is easy to see why the Magpies have made a fresh attempt to bring in Ashworth at an earlier date.
Newcastle will spend bigger sums on players this summer, but Ashworth would be the club's most important addition if he is to arrive in the coming weeks. This is the man, after all, who will create a structure and establish an overarching philosophy in the medium to long-term as he oversees the men's first team, the women's team, player recruitment, the academy, medical and sports science, and the loan department.
Newcastle United to challenge AC Milan for Sven Botman deal - despite Stefano Pioli confidence
Newcastle United are trying to resurrect talks for Dutch defender Sven Botman - despite AC Milan claiming they have an agreement in place for the Lille defender.
For all that, there is a layer of uncertainty at Milan with set to be sold by Elliott Management Corporation and negotiations with new buyers ongoing. This could see Newcastle take advantage if they moved quickly.
United co-owner Amanda Staveley stated in February that Botman still retained an interest in signing for the Magpies after opting to stay in Lille last January. Back then his agent Muy Mareno felt that it was too much of a risk to join the then relegation-haunted Magpies.
The unseen Jack Grealish quotes which may surprise Newcastle fans after Almiron jibe
Jack Grealish may have irked Newcastle United fans with a cheeky jibe at Miguel Almiron this week. Grealish criticised colleague Riyad Mahrez by name dropping the Paraguay star in a random comparison.
However, the England international had been full of praise for Newcastle, Eddie Howe and the club in a previously unseen interview which took place before the game at Man City. Bearing in mind Grealish was locked in business mode, rather than on a party bus, the comments may offer a clearer insight into his mind compared to a throwaway comment.
Speaking to international broadcasters, a clutch of quotes that didn't see much airtime have now come to light. And while Toon fans will still be angry about the Almiron incident, they may appreciate what he said earlier this month.
Callum Wilson and Michail Antonio agree on 'unbelievable' Eddie Howe Newcastle achievement
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson and West Ham forward Michail Antonio both agree that Eddie Howe should have been named LMA Manager of the Year. That accolade went to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, whose team finished second in the Premier League - one point behind Manchester City - and lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The Anfield outfit have also reached the Champions League final, which they will contest against Real Madrid this weekend. In their Footballer's Football Podcast, though, Wilson and Antonio both reached a consensus that Howe would have been the worthiest winner.
The Amersham-born, 44-year-old assumed the reins at St James' Park in November with the Magpies win-less in their opening 11 Premier League games and sat 19th on five points. Another three matches passed under Howe without a victory before the team finally managed to collect maximum points in a 1-0 home triumph against Burnley during the first weekend in December.
Ex-Newcastle starlet once tipped for Magpies glory joins Kevin Phillips at South Shields
Former Newcastle United youngster Mackenzie Heaney has become South Shields’ first signing of the summer.
The attacking midfielder was viewed as one of the brightest prospects at the Magpies academy but was released by his boyhood club at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Spells with Northern League clubs Newcastle Benfield and West Auckland Town followed before he spent time with Northern Premier League outfit Whitby Town and Iceland second-tier side UMF Grindavik.
