A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Thursday, April 13.
Premier League ban gambling shirt sponsors as Newcastle move on from £6.5m deal with Fun88
Premier League clubs will be banned from having gambling sponsorships on the front of matchday shirts from the beginning of the 2026/2027 season. Newcastle United are currently one of eight top-flight clubs to profit from agreements with bookmakers, although the Magpies' six-year association with Fun88 will end following the current campaign.
The announcement on Thursday comes as a part of a consultation between the Premier League, its clubs and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Existing and new sponsorship agreements with betting firms will be allowed until the end of the 2025/2026 season, and clubs will still be able to feature gambling sponsorships in other areas such as shirt sleeves.
The statement released on Thursday read: "Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising."
Alan Shearer namedrops 'very good' Newcastle team-mate who could be 'a bit stroppy'
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says former Magpies team-mate Laurent Robert had one of the best left foots in the game. The duo formed a formidable relationship during their time at St. James' Park, with the French winger the provider for a number of Shearer's goals.
However, it's well know the Frenchman was somewhat of a maverick. Shearer admits Robert could be a bit stroppy during his black and white playing days but heaped praise on his former teammate.
The Magpies legend namedropped his former teammate as being just outside of the top 10 best French Premier League players, with David Ginola making it into the top ten in a list of some all-time greats. Robert made 181 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, with 32 goals in all competitions, playing in the Champions League and UEFA Cup before stripping down to his briefs and throwing his clothes into the Gallowgate End in his final game for the Magpies.
Aston Villa form draws comparisons to Newcastle rise as Eddie Howe looks to win Unai Emery battle
Flying high Newcastle face a match up fit to place before a king. Well, a couple of future kings anyway. Prince William is a staunch Aston Villa fan and he took son George with him to cheer on the Clarets to their latest victory along the road to redemption last week.
Now it is Villa vs United or, more significantly, the 'Man Who Said No' vs the 'Man Who Said Yes'. Unai Emery against Eddie Howe.
A short while back I wrote a piece about the similarities between the startling records of the two managers whose figures have continued to impress since.
From relegation to revenge - Five memorable clashes between Aston Villa and Newcastle United
Two of the most in-form teams in the Premier League will face each other this weekend. With both Newcastle and Aston Villa fighting for a place in Europe next season, the 171st meeting between the two looks set to be an interesting affair.
Unai Emery and Eddie Howe have both enjoyed fine seasons, with the former almost getting the Newcastle job before it was offered to the latter back in 2021.
Chronicle Live has taken a look at some of the most memorable clashes between the two sides in recent years.
'Ball is in our court': Wilson on Champions League and Newcastle's top-four 'reality' and 'regret'
Callum Wilson insists the 'ball is in our court' when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League and believes Newcastle United will now 'regret' if they miss out on a top-four finish. Five straight wins for the Magpies has lifted Eddie Howe's side into third spot, three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.
Newcastle have defied expectations so far this term, and have lost just three league matches all season. United face a tricky trip to in-form Aston Villa on Saturday, before hosting Tottenham the following weekend in a crunch top-four clash.
Howe's side also have huge encounters against league leaders Arsenal and Brighton to come at St James' Park, before finishing the season with a visit to Chelsea. A top-four finish was beyond Newcastle's expectations at the start of the season, but Wilson feels the team's current form and position means it would now be considered a disappointment if the Magpies missed out on Champions League football next season.
'Sad and lost' Hakim Ziyech tipped for Chelsea exit amid Newcastle links
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer according to former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf. The Moroccan international enjoyed and inspiring World Cup as the African nation made the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament, but life back in London has been tough.
Newcastle United are among a number of European clubs linked with a move for the 30-year-old who has scored just 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 102 appearances. Ziyech has only featured in 13 of the Blues' 30 league games so far this season, and came close to joining PSG on loan in January.
The recent influx of players at Stamford Bridge has seen question marks resurface over his long-term future. When asked who he feels should leave Chelsea in the summer Lebouef told ESPN: "Well, definitely Ziyech. The guy is not happy, and he wants to work."
Sporting director confirms Newcastle target will be available on a free transfer this summer
Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has confirmed Newcastle United transfer target Marcus Thuram will be available on a free transfer this summer. The Magpies are one of a host of clubs linked to the France international, who will leave the Bundesliga club at the end of his contract following a four-year stay.
Newcastle scouts have watched Thuram on several occasions in recent seasons, and the 25-year-old impressed in cameo appearances at the World Cup. The versatile forward has netted 16 goals in all competitions for Gladbach this season, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Thuram has previously been said to favour a move to Serie A over a Premier League switch, with Inter Milan considered among the frontrunners. Following months of rumours, Virkus has announced both Thuram and defender Ramy Bensebaini will leave as free agents this summer.
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