A round up of all of today’s news & gossip:
- Despite initial fears following his withdrawal from Scotland’s squad to face Hungary, Matt Ritchie’s groin is NOT believed to be serious according to the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder – Full story here.
- Despite claim here that Islam Slimani could start today’s friendly with Iran, it’s just been confirmed that he has been named on the bench.
- According to Turkish Football, Newcastle have made an enquiry to sign Oguzhan Ozyakup – the Besiktas midfielder who is set to be available on a free this summer – Full story here.
- According to the Chronicle, Mike Ashley was left annoyed by Benitez’s ‘wasteful’ signings during our season in the Championship – with Matz Sels, Jesus Gamez and Achraf Lazaar deemed expensive mistakes – Full story here.
- Rafa Benitez has warned Islam Slimani that he will have to prove in training that he is ready to return ahead of Saturday’s clash with Huddersfield – suggesting he will not just walk into his NUFC team – Full story here.
- Rafa Benitez has praised Florian Lejeune’s adaptation to the Premier League after his summer move from Spain, but has admitted that fans will be unaware just how unlucky he has been with injuries this season – Full story here.
- NUFC loanee Adam Armstrong has admitted he will have to ‘assess his situation’ at the club this summer, with the 21-year-old having endured four loan moves away from St James’ Park over the last three years – Full story here.
- Despite his woeful stint at St James’ Park, Swansea City are believed to be weighing up a summer move for Seydou Doumbia – the striker who couldn’t get in the NUFC squad just two years ago – Full story here.
- With just a few months of the season to go, we’ve assessed how Rafa’s six summer signings have got on – see how we’ve ranked them here.
- And finally, after baulking at his £15m price tag last summer, we’ve looked at why Newcastle may live to regret passing up on the chance to sign Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore – Full story here.
