Newcastle United transfer news: Toon prepare bid for midfielder, Mourinho plots Man United reunion, Aston Villa exit claim

The Magpies put in a poor display against Arsenal last weekend, but are still nine points clear of the drop zone, even after slumping to a 2-0 defeat.

With safety all but assured, manager Steve Bruce has heaped praise on wide man Matt Ritchie – even after the pair had a well-documented confrontation earlier in the season.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash against the Foxes, the Toon boss said: “I’m delighted with how Matt has played.

“It’s been well-publicised about this row, or whatever you want to call it, but the one thing you cannot deny with Matt Ritchie is what he produces in training – and what he is as a professional. He’s impeccable in that respect.

"Matt’s big problem is that he wanted to play, and he wants to play every single game. I couldn’t guarantee him that. The situation we find ourselves in at the minute, and the system we’re playing, suits him very well. He’s very good at that.

"But he’s in an area and a position where we’ve got healthy competition. I’ll have discussions with Matt, but I’m delighted that he’s done exactly what we thought he would do. He’s infectious, enthusiastic, and we all know what he is."

Ritchie has played every minute of Newcastle last five matches, starting on the left-side of defence.

We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation involving Newcastle United and the rest of their top flight rivals below: