Toon Talk – a round-up of today’s NUFC news & gossip – 26/03/2018

A round up of all of today’s news & gossip:

  •  Speaking to the Spanish media today, Mikel Merino has admitted that he would like to return to Spain one day and is ‘very grateful’ for Athletic Bilbao’s interest – however suggests he is not distracted by these links – Full story here. 
  • Some worrying news for NUFC fans today, with it being confirmed that Matt Ritchie has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad after picking up a suspected groin injury – Full story here. 
  • Islam Slimani has been unable to play for Algeria during the international break and is rated as a  doubt for Saturday’s game with Huddersfield – meaning we may not see him play until Arsenal at home on April 15th – Full story here. 
  • Aleksandar Mitrovic has admitted that he hopes to be wearing a ‘black and white jersey’ next season when quizzed over his future at Craven Cottage – sending mixed messages to fans of both Newcastle and Fulham – Full story here. 
  • West Ham are planning a £15 move to sign Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles this summer according to a laughable story in the Sun – a move that we just cannot see happening for any number of reasons – Full story here. 

  • Newcastle defender Achraf Lazaar has confirmed that three MLS clubs have been in contact over a potential move, with him looking to secure first-team football in a bid to earn a place in Morocco’s World Cup squad – Full story here. 
  • Paul Merson is rarely one to praise anything related to NUFC, however he’s not held back about Jonjo Shelvey – claiming the United midfielder has ‘the best range of passing in the league’ and should play for England against Italy on Tuesday – Full story here. 
  • Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly has reflected on the moment he ‘hung up’ on Rafa Benitez – almost four years on from the life changing call the NUFC boss made to the centre-back – Full story here. 
  • The Chronicle have revealed that both Jesus Gamez and Massaido Haidara will  leave the club this summer, with the pair having been told they will NOT receive new contracts at the end of the season – Full story here.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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