Newcastle United's decision to tell Dwight Gayle to train with the reserves this week was made with Eddie Howe expecting to bring in another forward in due course. The former Crystal Palace striker has just got his head down and got on with maintaining fitness with his representatives now mulling over a range of options in the Championship, with both Middlesbrough and Birmingham City keen.
It leaves United with just Chris Wood and Callum Wilson as recognised strikers, although it is a role that Joelinton can also fill if needed, as proved away to Norwich last term when he scored twice. But the aim for Howe is to add another centre-forward to his books before the window slams shut.
One target in Armando Broja of Chelsea has been told to wait until the end of pre-season before any decision is made on his future over a possible loan deal. Both Emmanuel Dennis of relegated Watford and Maxwel Cornet of Burnley have also been offered to Newcastle.
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With Howe also eager to bring in another wide player, with talks for Moussa Diaby and Anthony Gordon well documented, Howe's attack could have an interesting look to it by the time the Premier League season kicks off
Mainz 05 chief explains reasons why German club refused to cancel friendly
Newcastle United take on Mainz 05 in their second pre-season match despite strong protests from the German club's own fanbase to cancel the game in Austria. Mainz supporters had questioned the Magpies' "ownership structure" and links with Saudi Arabia.
But sporting director Christian Heidel explained to fans: "From a sporting perspective, we cannot do without this test match. A unilateral cancellation by us, as demanded by some fans, is unthinkable, as this could have serious legal and economic consequences for us and us due to the contractual obligations fundamentally stand by our contractual agreements."
Audition time for Newcastle United youngsters
Elliot Anderson will be under the watchful eye of Eddie Howe during Newcastle's early pre-season matches despite a long list of admirers from the EFL wanting to take him on loan. A queue of clubs including Bristol Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and long-term admirers Luton Town are awaiting a decision.
For 19-year-old Anderson the opportunity to impress Howe is a big one. He could feasibly stay on as part of the first-team squad and not take up a place on the 25-man list that needs to be submitted to the Premier League in autumn.
Anderson - along with centre-back Kell Watts - will be looked at in friendly games in the next month before decisions are made on loans. Watts who won promotion to the Championship with Wigan is wanted again by the Latics.
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