Your Newcastle United headlines for Saturday, August 20.
Joao Pedro ‘injury’
Joao Pedro was suspiciously left out of Watford’s squad for their trip to Preston North End. The official explanation for his absence was a “minor calf injury” as talks intensify over a Newcastle move.
It is understood the Magpies are considering a third approach for the Brazilian after seeing two bids rejected so far. Watford value Pedro at £30million despite a poor goal return in the Premier League last season.
The Hornets have already lost Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest and Ismaila Sarr is heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace.
To read more, click here.
Rob Elliot interview
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot has spoken to ChronicleLive following his recent appointment at Gateshead. The Heed announced Elliot as their technical director 10 days ago, where he will reunite with ex-teammate Mike Williamson, the Gateshead manager.
Elliot - who won the Magpies player of the season award in 2015-16 - is relishing his new role and the thriving North East football scene. He said: "Newcastle are on the rise and Sunderland are on their way back up.
“Boro are always a big club in the Championship and for us taking the step into the National League, I think it separates us and we want to stay there. It was brilliant what Eddie (Howe) said and playing them in pre-season.
“That's something we want to explore as well for obvious reasons. It makes sense that we have a good connection with all the North East clubs.
“Obviously my connection with Newcastle, it's a no-brainer for me. What I love as a fan, also from my point of view at Gateshead, is how well the club is now being run and they're trying to do everything properly.”
To read the full interview, click here.
Experts predict defeat
The pundits do not believe Newcastle have much chance against Manchester City tomorrow. Just one win in 29 league games - a run stretching back to 2005 - reads poor viewing for Toon supporters.
Paul Merson, Chris Sutton and John Barnes think Newcastle will taste their first Premier League defeat of the campaign at St James’ Park. Pep Guardiola’s star-studded line-up smashed United 4-0 and 5-0 in 2021-22.
Astonishingly, a quarter of the goals Newcastle have conceded in 2022 came in the 5-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in May.
To read more, click here.
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