A round-up of today’s NUFC news and gossip:
- According to some dubious claims from Italy, Chelsea have now initiated talks with Rafa Benitez as they look to replace Maurizio Sarri – Full story here.
- Mo Diame is set to undergo a medical ahead of a potential move to Qatari side Al Gharafa according to reports in the Middle-East – Full story here.
- After Rafa Benitez paid a visit to the Barnstondale Centre in the Wirral last week, the centre’s manager has spoken out about his intriguing chat with the Spaniard – & it paints a very positive picture – Read his comments here.
- Newcastle have issued yet another “no comment” when asked about Rafa Benitez’s return to Tyneside on Monday – a stance that is no longer good enough – Full story here.
- According to the Echo’s Paul Wilson, the summer budget offered to Rafa Benitez this summer will factor in ‘wages and agents’ payments’ – suggesting he will NOT have £60m to spend on transfer fees alone – Full story here.
- Martin Dubravka has insisted that he’s ‘happy’ at Newcastle United, suggesting he has no plans to leave the club this summer despite alleged interest from Juventus – Full story here.
- According to an ‘exclusive’ from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are keen to sign highly-rated Juventus striker Stephy Mavididi on loan this summer – Full story here.
- Newcastle are one of several clubs to have held talks with former Manchester United reject Nick Powell according to TEAMtalk – Full story here.