Newcastle United board sent transfer message after Liverpool's failed pursuit of Anthony Gordon
Eddie Howe has warned his Newcastle United board that he does not want to see a repeat of the summer window when it comes to Anthony Gordon's future.
The England international, who has made an impressive start to the season and picked up two more caps for his country, attracted genuine interest from Liverpool in the summer. Howe wants Gordon tied down to a new deal and wants his forward fully focused on his best form in a black and white shirt.
Any new deal for Gordon will make him one of the highest earners at the club alongside Bruno Guimaraes. Talking about the importance of getting a lucrative deal done for both Gordon and Alexander Isak, Howe said: "You don’t want the transfer speculation or the contracts potentially running into shorter terms because I think that it distracts and rarely benefits the player or the club.
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"So, my wish is that players are always focussed on their performances and that the outside distraction is minimal. Our best way to do that is to get them secure and happy but of course there is a balance because with wage structures and PSR we can’t be reckless with what we do either.
"So we have to get those calls right but, of course, getting those players to play at their best levels will have a dramatic effect on our season. I think that if there are issues with either player, or any player, then of course communication and resolving any issues is really important."
Magpies enter controversial new competition and book derby date with Gateshead
Newcastle United have entered a controversial new competition that will see the Magpies involved in a fiercely contested local derby.
The new National League Cup will see Premier League reserve sides face off with National League sides and the Magpies will even play a competitive derby game with Gateshead since World War II. Although, the competition has been met with some fierce opposition with several sides from the fifth tier refusing to be involved.
The 32-team midweek competition comprises of 16 under-21 teams participating in Premier League 2, and 16 first teams from clubs participating in the National League. The competition will consist of a group stage (four groups of eight), with the two best-placed teams in each group advancing to a knock-out stage to determine the winner.
A total of £1m of prize money has been pumped into the competition but it will only be on offer for the National League sides. Despite the offer, it has been met with protest by York City, Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull Moors, Hartlepool United, Yeovil Town, Southend United & AFC Fylde who have all opted against it.
York co-owner Matt Uggla posting on social media: "I thought the whole reason not having FA Cup replays was too many fixture. But I guess that only applies to the Prem teams. At least be honest about your reasoning, your masters said jump and you said how high."
Newcastle will also face long trips to Tamworth and Boston United as well as clashes with Halifax and the Heed. Fixture dates are set to be confirmed.
Newcastle make another out of window signing after luring promising Posh star north
The Magpies are believed to have landed Peterborough United academy player Leon Mukumbira.
The 15-year-old has joined the Magpies' youth system and is said to be wanted by England at youth level. With Peterborough earning Academy Category 2 status they will be able to push Newcastle for a six-figure fee.
United Academy boss Steve Harper is developing a reputation as a wheeler-dealer on youth circles for attracting players to the North-East while also attempting to strike a balance to bring through local talent with Middlesbrough and Sunderland boasting strong youth set-ups as fierce rivals.