Newcastle United players set for return after Premier League talks

The squad has been staying at home since March when top-flight football was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Premier League has set out protocols for a return to training, initially in small groups with social distancing and other safeguards, ahead of a proposed playing return next month, and the Gazette understands that Newcastle’s players will finally report back to the club’s Benton training base next week if the plans are passed at a meeting on Monday.

If the league does restart, 13th-placed United will play their remaining nine games behind closed doors.

Danny Rose, on loan at Newcastle from Tottenham Hotspur, voiced his reservations about a summer return this week, and players will have the law on their side if they do not want to return this early.