A round up of all of today’s NUFC news and gossip:
- Aleksandar Mitrovic has opened up about his struggles under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United – admitting that both he and the manager had accepted that he ‘couldn’t play’ in his counter attacking side – Full story here.
- Despite Achraf Lazaar being included in our 25-man squad for the 2018/19 season, Benitez has confirmed that both he and Rolando Aarons ‘cannot train with us’ – meaning they look set to spend the rest of 2018 with the U-23’s – Full story here.
- According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Porto ended up paying just £4m to sign former Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba over the summer – despite the club initially holding out for £8m – Full story here.
- After being withdrawn from Newcastle’s Checktrade Trophy squad ‘at the last minute’, Lee Ryder claims there is now an unnamed Bulgarian club pushing to sign Rolando Aarons on loan – Full story here.
- Martin Dubravka has admitted that he’d like to stay at the club for a ‘long time’ – but hints that it’s Rafa Benitez who would persuade him to do so more than anything else – Full story here.
- According to The Chronicle’s Chris Waugh, people ‘close to Mike Ashley’ attempted to drum up interest in both the USA and East Asia over the summer – suggesting the club is very much still up for sale – Full story here.
- Less than a year after NUFC scouts watched him in CSKA Moscow’s Champions League clash with Benfica, it’s been confirmed that Aaron Olanare has left the Russian giants by ‘mutual consent’ – making him available to sign on a free – Full story here.
- Five years after retiring as a player, former Newcastle United flop Jean-Alain Boumsong has now secured his first job in international football – being named as part of Clarence Seedorf’s coaching team with Cameroon – Full story here.
- You’d think Mike Ashley forgets he has a world class, Champions League manager in charge of his club – but yesterday’s events should send him a timely reminder of just how lucky he is to have Rafa Benitez – Full story here.