Newcastle United’s takeover continues to drag on.
There is no news about the bid from the Saudi Arabia-backed consortium as the wait for the Premier League to ratify any deal continues.
It is likely to be occupying the thoughts of most Magpies fans given that they are almost safe in the Premier League; when football comes back, they will be 13th, eight points clear of the drop zone.
They are five points away from the mythical 40-point mark and ninth-placed Arsenal and one has to assume that the only real intrigue in the north east will come from whether or not Mike Ashley is relieved of his duties as owner.
GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at the best of the headlines around the club.
Take a look below!
Coutinho chase
Everything revolves around that takeover!
Indeed, France Football reports that, if the consortium complete their bid to buy the club, they could look to bring in Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
Negotiations are said to have begun, with Coutinho’s representatives believing strongly in the prospect of the Brazilian moving to St James’ Park.
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are also said to be interested but it appears that Newcastle are in pole position, provided they get a large cash injection.
Watch this space!
Joelinton in the goals!
Joelinton has been famously profligate for Newcastle this season, scoring just one Premier League goal, against Tottenham Hotspur.
But he was in the goals this week as the Magpies took on Middlesbrough in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Per Chronicle Live, Boro went 2-0 up in the first half but goals from Yoshinori Muto and Miguel Almiron pulled Steve Bruce’s side level.
And the Brazilian then scored the winner late on, handing Newcastle a 3-2 victory.
The report states that Joelinton has now scored twice in as many friendlies and that will surely buoy his spirits and Bruce’s to boot.
New Longstaff offer
Newcastle have made contact with the representatives of Matty Longstaff in a bid to tie him down to a new contract, per The Athletic.
The midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he has attracted interest from Serie A club Udinese.
They are said to be offering the 20-year-old a deal worth £30,000-per-week and Newcastle have made a counter-offer in a bid to keep him.
The report states that the offer is £20,000-per-week, with a bonus of £10,000 every time he plays for the first-team.
Longstaff, who scored on his debut against Manchester United, currently earns £850-per-week.