Your evening Newcastle United headlines on Sunday, July 17.
Eddie Howe makes candid statement over Newcastle United's last gasp attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has wished Hugo Ekitike the best of luck after the French forward joined Paris Saint Germain on loan from Reims. PSG have an option to buy the 20-year-old who had been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle during both the January and summer transfer windows.
However, while terms looked to have been agreed upon between Reims and Newcastle, agent fees proved to be too much. Newcastle grew tired of waiting and decided to pull the plug on the deal a few weeks ago.
And speaking from Newcastle's Austria training camp, Howe revealed he had no hard feelings towards the forward.
"It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo and we worked hard to try and do that deal," Howe said. "He’s a very talented lad and he decided to go to PSG. I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck."
Sven Botman hungry for more Newcastle United involvement after making debut in Austria
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has shared his excitement at wearing the black and white shirt for the first time against 1860 Munich. The 22-year-old was introduced from the bench at half-time in Austria and is now firmly looking ahead to the final game of the trip against Mainz.
While still only a pre-season outing, Botman’s performance was well received by the Magpies supporters who are extremely eager to see what he can do in the Premier League. He too is looking forward to getting stuck in for his new club in a competitive capacity.
"It felt very good - finally - after some weeks training. It feels very nice to wear the shirt of this club for the first time," Botman told Newcastle's official club website.
"Of course, when I signed here, you're always looking towards which game is your first one. This is a friendly, and I'm now looking forward to the first game."
Inside Newcastle United's Austrian training camp: The music played, injury updates, Howe's drone
Ahead of their Monday afternoon pre-season game against Bundesliga side Mainz, ChronicleLive were given exclusive access to Newcastle United's training camp in Saalfelden.
Lee Ryder was on hand to take in the full session on the eve of their final game of their Austria tour and can reveal that the team spirit within Newcastle's camp ahead of the 2022/23 season is excellent.
Read all of Lee Ryder's training camp observations here
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