Newcastle United ‘talks’ with £113m World Cup star sees manager deliver transfer verdict

Manager delivers transfer verdict on £113m star after Newcastle United ‘talks’

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been quizzed on the future of Joao Felix amid speculation ahead of the January transfer window.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes has been in England to hold in-person talks with Newcastle United and Aston Villa over a potential move. Felix’s apparent availability has alerted several top clubs across Europe with Manchester United and Chelsea also understood to be keen.

Felix started four of Portugal’s five World Cup matches in Qatar, scoring once as they were knocked out in the quarter-final stage by Morocco. The 23-year-old’s future at the La Liga club is uncertain following his £113million move from Benfica in 2019.

In three-and-a-half seasons at Atletico, he has netted 24 league goals in 94 appearances as he has often struggled to adapt to Diego Simeone’s regimented and defensive managerial approach.

While Simeone still hopes to get the best out of Felix, he wouldn’t rule out a January move as he told Goal: “No one is indispensable and things will be as they have to be.

“It is very important for us. He has had a good World Cup, he participated in goals with the importance that the coach gave him.

“Hopefully we can have the best Joao who he saw himself in the World Cup. Hopefully we also give him that peace of mind and joy to show in the game all that was seen in the World Cup.”

Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll admits transfer ‘regret’

Andy Carroll has admitted he regretted signing for Championship side West Bromwich Albion almost immediately. Carroll joined The Baggies in January, shortly before former Magpies boss Steve Bruce was appointed as manager.

Carroll played 15 times during his half-season at The Hawthorns, scoring three times before rejoining Reading in September.

Speaking to BerkshireLive, Carroll said: "To be honest, the second day I was there [at West Brom] I regretted being there."

Carroll joined a West Brom side sitting fifth in the Championship table and eyeing a quick return to the Premier League. But their season would ultimately fizzle out under Bruce as they finished 10th. Bruce was sacked by West Brom earlier this season with the club sitting in the Championship relegation zone.

Carroll has scored twice in 13 Championship matches for Reading this season. And with the 33-year-old’s short-term deal expiring next month, he is hopeful of agreeing an extension.

When asked about his Reading future, Carroll added: "Hopefully you guys have asked the gaffer [Paul Ince] and he has given you the answer. But I am willing to sign if there is a deal there."

Carabao Cup quarter-final draw details

The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will be made on Thursday evening following Manchester City's fourth-round match against Liverpool.

Newcastle secured a place in the last eight with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at St James’s Park on Tuesday.

Newcastle will be joined in the quarter-final by League One side Charlton Athletic plus Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and one of Manchester City or Liverpool.

Quarter-final ties will take place on the week commencing January 9, 2023.