Your Newcastle United headlines for Friday, February 17.
Klopp's U-turn
Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Eddie Howe and insists Newcastle's "exceptional" season so far is not down to their transfer spending. The German previously sparked debate with comments made about Newcastle's resources and spending, comparing them earlier this season to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain by having 'no ceiling'.
However, the Reds boss is adamant United's investment in the region of £250 million so far does not explain their current success. He told the Liverpool Echo: "Eddie is doing an absolutely exceptional job. The financial possibilities they will have in the future are exceptional but it (their success) is not because of that. They built on the team they had.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe vows he will 'always protect' Newcastle after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's dig
"The only difference between the way us and Newcastle have done business so far is where the money has come from. You have to do it step by step."
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Howe plays down Sir Bobby talk
Howe has played down comparisons between himself and the late Sir Bobby Robson. Howe is preparing to lead the Magpies into a cup final for the first time next week, achieving a feat never managed under Sir Bobby during his five-year stint at St James' Park.
"To hear that is incredibly pleasing and a proud thing to hear," the Newcastle boss told the media. "I'm never going to say I'm like Sir Bobby in any way. Thats not for me to say. He did incredible things for this football club and I've just started. I'm a long way off ever achieving what he did but I try to do the job to the best of my ability."
This Saturday would have been Robson's 90th birthday and fans have been paying tribute to the former England manager in recent days. Wor Flags are also planning a special tribute to the Newcastle legend before the clash with Liverpool at St James' Park.
"It's a really fitting tribute to an incredible man," Howe added. "I consider myself unfortunate not to have met him and spent time with him, but I've heard a lot of stories about him from people here at the training ground, people connected to the club."
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Southgate visits Toon training
Gareth Southgate was a guest at the Magpies' training ground this week as the England boss paid a visit to the north east. The Three Lions chief was also in attendance at a St Oswald's event on Thursday evening to raise vital funds for the Gosforth-based hospice.
The sold out evening was planned by Newcastle assistant Graeme Jones and his wife Debbie, both of whom became ambassadors for the hospice in 2021 to give back for the care shown to Jones' mother Rita, who passed away after a battle with cancer back in 1991.
Jones, who has a long-time friendship with Southgate, pulled some strings to get his good friend on Tyneside for the event. There was also time for Southgate to pop to the Newcastle's Benton base during his trip.
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Targett boost
Howe says that Matt Targett has a chance of being part of the Carabao Cup final squad next weekend.
Targett has featured just 12 times this season and last played before the World Cup in the 1-0 win over Chelsea at St James' Park back in November. Having suffered a heel injury and with Dan Burn proving to be an able deputy, Howe is pleased to have another option in the left-back area.
When asked if Targett has a shot at being involved at Wembley, with the defender back in training, the Toon boss told ChronicleLive: "Yeah possibly. For me, it depends on how he comes through this weekend."
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Wood sold
Newcastle United have sold Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis after the City Ground side triggered a clause in his loan deal.
Wood left Newcastle for Forest in January on an initial loan deal when the East Midlands side had an obligation to make the deal permanent. It is now understood that just three Premier League appearances have ensured Wood is no longer a Newcastle player.
It means that a fee of around £15million will go into the coffers for United's summer transfer kitty.
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