Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: Neil Warnock reacts to five-goal win against 'experimental' Magpies; Brazilian full-back linked

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Bernardo Fernandes da Silva of Brighton and Hove Albion speak during a pitch inspection prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford FC at American Express Community Stadium on February 08, 2020 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has reacted to his side’s FIVE-goal hammering of an ‘experimental’ Newcastle United side.

Allan Saint-Maximin got on the scoresheet but it was nothing more than a consolation for Steve Bruce & Co, who were smashed 5-1 on Teesside this afternoon.

And Warnock admits he was delighted with Boro’s efforts on the day.

“I was delighted with the work ethic we showed, and we played some good football,” he told the club website.

“It’s all about building up to the first game. We're getting a bit sharper and I think we can get better.

“The pitch was good and the opponents were good, but it was nice to take our chances and see the goals go in.

“You can’t judge too much in pre-season games, the season is different when it starts, but I was pleased with my own team.”

Meanwhile, United have been linked with a summer move for Brighton’s Brazilian full-back Bernardo.

Sky Sports claim West Ham and the Magpies want the former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg man, who made 22 appearances for the Seagulls following a £9 million move last summer.

And finally, reports in Scotland suggest Christian Atsu is again on the radar of nine-in-a-row Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

Neil Lennon’s men were keen to add the Ghanaian in the January window but wages were an issue. Reports suggest former Chelsea man Atsu’s pay packet will not prove a problem this time around, though.