Hello and welcome to our Newcastle United live blog on Tuesday, January 26.
It is now ten matches without a win for the Magpies after Steve Bruce's side fell to another defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday night.
Dean Smith's side recorded a comfortable victory at Villa Park courtesy of first-half goals from Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore.
The Magpies once again looked powderpuff in attack, with the partnership of Andy Carroll and Callum Wilson struggling to trouble Villa's backline throughout.
However, Bruce believed there were 'encouraging' signs in the display and will no doubt call for a response once again when they host Leeds United on Tuesday night.
Away from the action on the pitch, the transfer window is now open and the Magpies are looking at potential loan options.
Stick with us for all the updates and you can get the latest NUFC news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
Key Events
Rafa Benitez 'plans to wait' for next management job
Sky Sports report:
Rafa Benitez plans to wait for the perfect club before agreeing to his next job in management.
The 60-year-old's preference is to return to the Premier League, after leaving his role as head coach of Chinese side Dalian Professional.
It is understood that Benitez will not take any vacancy that may arise at Celtic as uncertainty continues to surround Neil Lennon's future.
Benitez will also not consider renewing his working partnership with Mike Ashley at Newcastle should the club be looking for a new manager to succeed current boss Steve Bruce.
How you would like Newcastle to line up this evening
There's a lot of changes...
Allan Saint-Maximin is the 'shot in the arm' Newcastle need in their Premier League survival fight
The return of Allan Saint-Maximin is the 'shot in the arm' Newcastle United need for their Premier League survival fight.
That is the verdict of former Leeds and England defender Danny Mills who believes his return to the Magpies side will be a 'huge boost' to the out of form Magpies.
“He’s one of those players that has got pace and he’s got ability to go with that pace," Mills told Football Insider.
"He’s got fabulous feet, he’s got great trickery and he’s got an end product as well which is absolutely vital.
“He’s also got that sprinkling of stardust about him which, sometimes, when you’re playing in a team that is defensively minded and not the most creative, when that player comes back in, that has that little bit of something special, it’s a huge boost to everybody else.
“You start to think ‘OK, if we keep this tight and he gets the ball he might do something special, he can create something or go and score himself.’
“It’s a shot in the arm and that’s what they need.”
Huge game for Newcastle tonight
Huge game tonight for Newcastle. Leeds in poor form themselves and the return of Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser will (hopefully) give some attacking impetus.
Lots of noise, a bewildering press conference call, some fighting talk - but what matters is points on the board.
Report: AC Milan interested in Achraf Lazaar
According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, AC Milan are keen to sign the Newcastle United outcast this month.
Newcastle are keen to offload Lazaar this month, with the Morocco international being deemed surplus to requirements after making just 10 appearances for the club since joining from Palermo in 2016.
The report claims his agent is working on getting his contract terminated at St James' Park and Milan, who currently sit top of the Serie A table, see the 29-year-old as a low-cost backup option to French international left-back Theo Hernandez.
Why Newcastle United are the team Leeds and most Premier League sides most want to play right now
Newcastle's dire run of form actually started when they faced Leeds in the Premier League last month, as they were thrashed 5-2 at Elland Road.
But what has happened the opponents since, what are the weaknesses Newcastle can exploit and do they see the Magpies as the perfect team in the Premier League to face right now?
Chronicle Live spoke to Leeds Live's Leeds United editor Joe Mewis to find out.
"To be brutally honest, yes they are [the team Leeds would most like to face right now]. I'm sure most clubs in the Premier League would say the same."
Read the full story below...
Graeme Jones' Newcastle move is a 'dream come true' but departure is 'difficult' for Bournemouth
Graeme Jones' imminent move to join Newcastle United's backroom staff is a 'dream come true' for the renowned first-team coach.
That is according to Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall who admits it will be a 'difficult one' for the Cherries to come to terms with as he looks set to swap the Vitality Stadium for St James' Park.
Bournemouth granted Jones permission to speak to Newcastle on Monday as he prepares to join Steve Bruce's backroom team.
Bruce confirmed the news during Monday's press conference and said he hoped Jones would be able to hook up with the Magpies within the next 24 hours.
Jones only joined Bournemouth in the summer and had been 'extremely happy' on the South Coast.
However, Tindall admitted Newcastle were one of very few clubs who would have been able to tempt him away from the club.
"It’s a difficult one. Graeme Jones is a black-and-white – he always has been," Tindall told the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
“It would have been very, very difficult to prise Graeme Jones away from this football club because he was extremely happy here – settled into the area and loved the environment.
“There’s not many places that could have persuaded him to think about leaving.
“But I knew off the conversation I had with Bonner many times, in terms of I knew he was a black-and-white. I know how much Newcastle means to him.
“I knew how much it meant to his dad and his family. He’s got family up there.
“It’s been a difficult time for him and it was a really tough decision but he wanted to pursue it a little bit further. In the end, we just have to wait and see what happens in the next 24 hours.
“I think when an opportunity comes around that is almost a dream come true, to work in your boyhood club, it then becomes very difficult for myself.”
Read the full story below...
Why pundit believes Frank Lampard's sacking could leave Newcastle boss Steve Bruce 'in trouble'
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is 'in trouble' now that the Premier League 'sacking season' has started.
That is the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson who fears for the United boss' future in the wake of Frank Lampard's departure from Chelsea on Monday morning.
"Leeds are another side who had the weekend off after going out of the FA Cup and, the way they play, that rest will make them even more dangerous," Lawrenson wrote in his BBC Sport predictions column.
"They will be running even more than usual, and they have key midfielder Kalvin Phillips back after he missed the defeat by Brighton through suspension.
"Newcastle are in awful form - without a win in 10 games in all competitions, with seven defeats and only four goals in that period.
"If sacking season has started now, with Frank Lampard leaving Chelsea, then Steve Bruce is in trouble as Newcastle manager if this run continues."
Allan Saint-Maximin's brilliant response after Newcastle team-mate's 'saviour' interview joke
Allan Saint-Maximin was left in stitches in an interview after being dubbed Newcastle United's 'saviour' by team-mate Dwight Gayle.
The Magpies talisman made his long-awaited return as a substitute in Saturday night's defeat at Aston Villa - his first black-and-white appearance since the loss to Chelsea on November 21.
Injury and a spell on the sidelines recovering from Covid-19 has forced Newcastle's number 10 to miss more than two months of the season.
United have won just twice since, and are facing up to a relegation battle following a 10-match winless run in all competitions.
Given the Magpies woes in front of goal, Steve Bruce and frustrated fans will undoubtedly be glad to see Saint-Maximin and the suspended Ryan Fraser return to action.
There are hopes the return of the attacker named by supporters as the Chronicle's fans' footballer of the year for 2020 could galvanise a response from Newcastle.
And it was this view that Gayle decided to have fun with as Saint-Maximin prepared to be interviewed by the club's channel NUFC TV.
The interview previewing the Magpies' clash with Leeds United opens with the former Nice forward standing with a microphone at the club's Benton base, and Gayle and fellow team-mate Christian Atsu walk past.
Gayle sees an opportunity to put the 23-year-old off, and shouts "the saviour is back".
A few more words are then shared between the pair and Saint-Maximin, causing the attacker to break down in laughter.
Allan Saint-Maximin willing to go to extreme lengths to help Newcastle and what he thinks of Bruce
Allan Saint-Maximin has vowed to 'give everything' to spark life into Newcastle United's faltering campaign - even if it means getting injured.
The Frenchman returned to action for the first time in two months against Aston Villa on Saturday night following his battle with COVID-19.
Saint-Maximin was the player worst hit by the club's coronavirus outbreak and the 23-year-old only resumed full training last week after being laid low by the virus' sapping after-effects for some time.
While Saint-Maximin was not at his absolute best earlier in the season, Newcastle have certainly missed their talisman and the black-and-whites have won just two games without him since November 27.
Newcastle have failed to win any of their last 10 games in all competitions and the Magpies have only scored one goal in their last 744 minutes of action.
Although Saint-Maximin again looks set to be named on the bench against Leeds on Tuesday night, the forward is desperate to help under-fire head coach Steve Bruce.
"I like the coach a lot because he tried to do everything he can," Saint-Maximin told NUFC TV.
"In my opinion, we cannot always blame the coach because we are the players on the pitch and we have to do much more - even me when I come back.
"We have to play every game like it's the last one and this is really important.
"That's why I tried to come back to give everything I can even if I have to be injured after. I have to run and give my best on the pitch to help my team."
'Fans deserve answers' - Newcastle boss Steve Bruce slammed for press conference snub
The decision to avoid questions from written media feels like the 'beginning of the end' for Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.
That's the view of talkSPORT host Adrian Durham, who believes 'fans deserve answers' following a dreadful run of form which has seen the Magpies plummet into a relegation fight.
Speaking on his 'Drive' show on Monday, the radio host believes it's 'weak management' from Bruce and an excuse to avoid tough questions about his side's form.
Durham told talkSPORT:
"I think they've changed system eight times. His selection leaves a bit to be desired.
"They're basically rubbish to watch. They don't score goals, they don't defend their own goal so there's nothing to love about this Newcastle side.
"When you say at a press conference I'm not allowing questions from newspaper journalists, that's the beginning of the end. He's basically saying don't ask me questions because I can't answer them.
"I think that's really, really poor. It's weak management. I don't want to say this about Steve Bruce because he seems like a lovely guy.
"But why aren't you taking questions? What on earth is wrong with you? The fans deserve answers, and this is your only way to get through to them.
"By the way, how lucky is Steve Bruce they haven't had fans at Newcastle this season?"
Newcastle United remain outside top table of world football's rich list
Newcastle United remain outside of the top table of world football's rich list, a new report has revealed.
Revenues of £178.5m in the 2017/18 season had previously made the Magpies the 19th richest football club in the world according to the Deloitte Football Money League.
It was an increase of £85.7m from the Championship-winning campaign which made United the eighth richest club in England.
However, the results for the 2018/19 season saw Newcastle fall out of the global top 20 list, and the latest edition of the Football Money League announced on Tuesday confirmed the club remain outside the top table.
Despite the ongoing significant financial challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the clubs making up Deloitte's Football Money League have largely remained the same from last season.
However, the study found the richest 20 football clubs will have missed out on almost £1.8bn in revenue by the end of the 2020/21 season, with significant falls recorded in broadcast and matchday incomes.
You can read the full story below...
Steve Bruce talks up roles of Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser
teve Bruce believes that returning attacking duo Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin can make "a difference" in the second half of the season.
Fraser is back from a spate of injuries and suspension while Saint-Maximin has recovered from Covid and is back in the frame at first-team level.
Bruce's wing men are set for a further piece of action against Leeds United at St James' Park but the Frenchman could be handed a bench role.
After seeing them make a return against Villa, Bruce said:
"It’s the first time, for 20 minutes the other night, we’ve had Ryan Fraser and Allan on the pitch, for one reason or another.
"The reason why we’ve took them at the top end is we know what a difference Allan can make to us with that creativity.
"And certainly Ryan, when he’s well, when he’s fit, he’s proved that he’s capable too.
"Let’s hope they both stay well because if they do, then I’m quietly convinced that they’ll provide enough ammunition that we need to score, which is always the most difficult thing in the Premier League."
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to Tuesday's NUFC live blog.
Stick with us for all of the latest news, views and updates throughout the day.
Signing off
That's all from us tonight. Here's a look at today's top stories:
Newcastle evening headlines as Steve Bruce plan is formed, Graeme Jones appointment moves closer
Darren Ambrose calls on Newcastle boss Steve Bruce to resign and explains missed 'opportunity'
'He should walk away' - Furious Newcastle fan urges 'self-respecting Mag' Steve Bruce to resign
Micky Quinn says Steve Bruce should resign and urges Newcastle to move for Eddie Howe
'Anger, hurt, pain, zero emotion' - Newcastle fan fury reaches fever pitch
Newcastle United hit by defensive injury crisis ahead of Leeds clash
Newcastle United chiefs sanction plan which could see Steve Bruce stay until at least end of season
Steve Bruce reacts to question on whether he's still the right man for Newcastle job
Mark Hughes moves to clarify Newcastle United fan comments on Football Focus
What to expect from Jones
Graeme Jones is set to join Newcastle United's backroom staff from Championship side Bournemouth.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says the club have been granted permission to speak to the the 50-year-old about a move to St James' Park.
So, what more do we know about Jones?
'Perfect game' for Leeds
David Prutton believes tomorrow night's match at Newcastle United is the 'perfect game' for Leeds to get back on track.
He wrote in his Yorkshire Evening Post column: "Leeds will be hoping for the ineffectual side if what can sometimes happen with his performance.
"It’s the perfect game to get Leeds back on track but this is football and if they go into this thinking its a straightforward way of getting three points it will bite them on the bum."
Fans' fury
Newcastle United fans are continuing to vent their feelings after another defeat.
The 2-0 reversal at Villa Park on Saturday was the Magpies' 10th game in a row without victory, with Steve Bruce's side suffering an alarming slump in form.
The goals have dried up, while the other end defensive lapses have cost United dearly, and the 2-1 win over West Brom on December 12 feels like a very long time ago.
Here's a summary of what some fan groups are saying ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Leeds United.
Evening update
Newcastle have been granted permission to speak to Bournemouth coach Graeme Jones over taking up a position at St James’ Park.
Elsewhere, United have made plans to stick with current boss Steve Bruce at least until the end of the season.
Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Monday, January 25.
Ambrose's view
Former Newcastle United midfielder Darren Ambrose believes the time has come for Steve Bruce to resign.
Bruce has endured a difficult relationship with the Toon Army having succeeded popular former boss Rafa Benitez, and the head coach believes he has been the subject of "personal" criticism in recent weeks.
However, Ambrose believes the 60-year-old could have won over unconvinced United supporters had he employed a more positive, attacking approach on the pitch.
You can read the full story here.
Owen's prediction
Michael Owen has tipped Newcastle United to earn a 1-1 draw with Leeds tomorrow night.
He wrote in his BetVictor blog: "Leeds travel to Newcastle in need of a result. The Yorkshire side have lost their last three matches in all competitions, so they’ll be aiming to get back on track on Tyneside.
"You can say the same for Newcastle. Pressure is mounting on Steve Bruce and the closer the Magpies descend towards the bottom three, the more the heat will increase on their manager.
"Newcastle have lost their last four in the Premier League; however, I am not too confident in Leeds just now. So, with both sides so out of form, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one finished all square."
Fan's 606 call
A furious Newcastle United fans has called on Steve Bruce to walk away from St James' Park - insisting 'any self-respecting Mag' would resign.
ChronicleLive understands United's hierarchy have made plans to stand by the 60-year-old until the end of the season despite the recent poor results.
Newcastle fan David rang BBC's 606 podcast on Sunday night to debate Bruce's future with pundits Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton.
You can read the full story here.
Jones Knows prediction
From Jones Knows on Sky Sports.
***
No matter what Steve Bruce will have you believe, Newcastle have been embarrassing in their last three matches.
No goals scored, an average of just nine touches in the opposition box per match and 1.6 shots on target per match. I've never seen a Premier League team so comfortable at 2-0 up than Aston Villa were on Saturday. The lack of endeavour, bite and spark in midfield for the Toon was jaw-dropping.
The end must be near for Bruce on Tyneside if things continue in the same vein. And the last thing they need right now is a team like Leeds on their doorstep, full of energy, full of forward-thinking players.
Masters details meetings
The government and Premier League meetings regarding the Newcastle United takeover 'focused on the process and timing' of any decision made on the deal.
The Foreign Office and Premier League held two meetings last year as the consortium led by the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia attempted to buy Newcastle United.
Richard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League, has revealed the details of these meetings.
You can read the full story here.
Quinn's verdict
Steve Bruce should resign as manager of Newcastle United and the Magpies should make an approach for former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.
That's the view of Magpies legend Micky Quinn who feels Bruce can no longer get the best out of his players at Newcastle.
After Bruce's former team-mate Tony Cascarino called for Bruce to resign on TalkSPORT on Sunday, Quinn agreed and urged the club to target Eddie Howe - who is out of work after leaving Bournemouth last summer.
You can read the full story here.
Powell links?
This from Football League World.
***
Newcastle United have submitted an enquiry to Stoke City regarding midfielder Nick Powell’s availability.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fruitful campaign thus far at the Potters, and his impressive displays have caught the attention of Premier League side Newcastle.
The Magpies have enquired about Powell’s availability in this transfer window, though as it stands, FLW have been told that the Potters have no intentions of offloading the player this season.
Injury crisis
Newcastle United's defensive woes have intensified ahead of the clash with Leeds United.
Bruce is weighing up whether to stick with a five-man defence again against newly promoted Leeds United but will certainly be without Dummett, Clark and Fernandez once more.
With DeAndre Yedlin also missing due to visa problems, Newcastle are down to the bare bones at the back.
You can read the full story here.
Ryder's prediction
Newcastle United face a Leeds side that have been served a bit of a reality check after a decent December.
Marcelo Bielsa's team have been left to stew in their own juices after losing to Brighton in the Premier League and then Crawley in the FA Cup.
A 10-day gap since their last game means they come into this fixture a little cold and on the back of three defeats.
