Reports this morning suggest Matthias Jaissle has been lined up as the next Newcastle United boss, with big claims that Eddie Howe is set to leave the club. The Magpies have work to do to give Howe a robust squad before the season starts in just over three weeks.
Defeat Exposes Weaknesses
Newcastle are heading to Spain for a training camp at La Manga on the back of an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Bristol City. That result exposed weaknesses in the squad that Howe and Co are well aware of, and while many big names were absent, it has sharpened the transfer focus.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek could be the next arrival, with Newcastle looking to strike a deal with Braga for the Czech international. Hornicek was withdrawn from Braga's squad to face Zeleznicar Pancevo in the Europa Conference League amid talks between the clubs. He has a £29.5million release clause, and while United are yet to activate it, they are hopeful of agreeing a deal. If completed, Hornicek would compete for the No 1 shirt, with Nick Pope's future in doubt.
Bruno Guimaraes Future
Much of the focus remains on Bruno Guimaraes' future, with the Brazilian due to meet the squad imminently amid interest from Arsenal. Speaking after the Bristol City defeat, Howe admitted the situation is less than ideal. "Any distraction, if it's not healthy, is unhealthy," he said. "So, yeah (it would be negative for things to drag on), but we're not in control of that. And to some degree, I don't think Bruno's in control of that either."
Howe's team selection for the Bristol match was also a talking point, with the head coach sending a clear transfer message by naming a weakened side. Five lessons from the Ashton Gate defeat were highlighted by Sean McCormick.
