Newcastle United transfer rumours: Norwich City star Todd Cantwell eyed, Matty Longstaff set for Steve Bruce recall

The battle to beat the drop was blown wide open following Fulham’s win at champions Liverpool, which came just hours after Steve Bruce’s men drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion.

The point at the Hawthorns kept the Magpies outside the bottom three but with their advantage cut to just one point, there is a real sense of panic kicking in on Tyneside.

Indeed, Bruce’s side aren’t the only team Fulham are chasing down. Results on Saturday also meant Brighton and Burnley were dragged back into trouble.

But given Newcastle have won just two of their last 18 matches, it feels the momentum lies elsewhere.

Reports from Football League World claim the Magpies are keen to bring Norwich City attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell to St James’s Park this summer, if they retain their top-flight status.

Barring a late disaster, the Canaries will return to the big time at the first attempt, and Cantwell has and is continuing to play a big part in that.

The former England under-20s star was subject to lots of interest last summer but remained at Carrow Road to help their promotion bid.

However, it is claimed Newcastle are prepared to join the race for the 23-year-old, while Tottenham Hotspur still maintain their interest.

Meanwhile, The Athletic has revealed just how close Matt Ritchie was to leaving the North East in January.

Ritchie, who had a well-publicised bust-up with Bruce last week, was so convinced he was returning to Bournemouth that he had emptied his locker and bid farewell to teammates and staff.

The move, however, fell through because Bruce was unable to find a replacement. The Cherries also favoured a loan with an option to buy if promoted, something United were unwilling to accept.

Here are the latest headlines from Newcastle, including an update on Matty Longstaff, and their Premier League rivals: