Newcastle United face paying £25.9m for defensive 'target'; Joelinton tipped for shock move

Win and Steve Bruce’s side go within one point of their hosts – bringing them back into trouble. Lose and it seems increasingly likely it will boil down to Fulham or the Magpies.

But in the meantime, there is still plenty of other news surrounding Newcastle. Here’s a look at the latest from today:

Newcastle ‘learn’ Nuno Tavares’ asking price

Benfica have slapped a £25.9million asking price on reported Newcastle target Nuno Tavares.

It was claimed by Portuguese publication O Jogo that United had “promised” The Eagles that a bid would be submitted for the left-back soon.

Now, the same outlet has reported that the Primeira Liga side have named their price for the 21-year-old, although that could be reduced depending on what offers are received.

Burnley and Napoli are also credited with interest in Tavares. You’d suspect, if the story is true, that Newcastle’s swoop will be subject to staying in the Premier League.

Joelinton to… Tottenham Hotspur – this pundit thinks so

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho “could do worse” than sign Newcastle forward Joelinton.

That was the light-hearted suggestion from former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle following the Brazilian’s impressive performance in the 2-2 draw with Spurs on Sunday.

"My underappreciated player of the week is Joelinton," Earle explained on NBC Sports' Two Robbies podcast.

"Ridiculed since his move, not really been a prolific goalscorer, but in difficult times he has played in positions that aren't his best but I look around the division and I don't see players playing for the team with the same effort.

"He came up with important goals against Spurs and made a nuisance of himself.”

He continued: "It's easy as a player to get caught up in that but they played with spirit, a bit of drive, so let's give a bit of love to Joelinton and Steve Bruce.

"You know what, Jose Mourinho could do worse than buying Joelinton for his Tottenham team. It was a big momentum weekend for Newcastle."

Ivan Toney opens up on Newcastle exit

Ivan Toney has opened up on his exit from St James’s Park in the summer of 2018 as his stellar form for Brentford continues.

Following a goal-laden two seasons at Peterborough United – the club Newcastle sold Toney to – the 25-year-old joined the Championship side last summer.

And Toney has taken to England’s second-tier like a duck to water – leading the goalscoring charts with 28 goals in 38 appearances.

A number of Premier League clubs are said to be keeping a watchful eye on the former Magpies man.

He told FourFourTwo: “Rafa (Benitez) came in, he had a decision to make and he made it, which was clear and fair enough. He didn’t see me in his plans.

“If somebody doesn’t want you, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s their choice.

"You might not fit in with their style of play, or it might be something little – you don’t know.

“But just because one manager doesn’t want you, it doesn’t mean another one won’t.

“You want to prove to yourself that you can do it and I think that’s what I’ve done.”

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