Southampton in potential striker battle plus Manchester City team news: Newcastle United gossip

We round up some of the latest Newcastle news and transfer stories from around the web.

Striker linked with Premier League duo

According to reports, Newcastle and Southampton are interested in signing teenage striker Evann Guessand.

The 19-year-old is currently contracted to Nice but has impressed during a loan spell at Swiss side Lausanne Sport, where he has scored seven goals and provided four assists this season.

The Daily Mail have claimed that Southampton and Newcastle are among the clubs who are tracking Guessand.

Departures expected

While Steve Bruce looks to bring players in this summer, outgoings are also expected at St James’ Park.

According to the Northern Echo, Andy Carroll is set to depart as a free agent when his latest short-term contract expires this summer.

Meanwhile, fellow striker Dwight Gayle has been offered a new deal, yet the report claims that Newcastle’s offer is markedly less lucrative than his current agreement.

Manchester City team news

Finally, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side are still assessing midfielder Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Friday’s meeting with the Magpies.

The City midfielder missed last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea with muscle fatigue, with Guardiola making nine changes for the match against the Blues.

City will welcome back defender John Stones who served the final game of his three-match suspension against Chelsea following his red card against Aston Villa last month.

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