Newcastle notebook: United told terms of Kalvin Phillips deal by City & Lascelles contract hope
Newcastle United will have to shell out a big portion of England midfielder's wages to land star on loan in January
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has again responded to the prospect of signing Kalvin Phillips after the Manchester City midfielder's name was put to him for a second time this month at a Press conference.
This week the talk that Phillips could leave on loan to sign for Juventus has intensified as City prepare for his exit in early 2024. Howe has previously stated that reports that a loan deal is all but agreed were "incorrect" but that didn't stop the 28-year-old star's name being pushed his way again on Friday.
Responding back to the name of Phillips again, Howe, speaking on the eve of the trip to Luton, said: "I would never talk about any individual player. We are assessing our squad probably on a daily basis at the moment to see where we stand injury wise and to see where the gaps are in our squad and see what January can bring us."
City want any club that takes the England midfielder on loan to cough up the bulk of his £130,000 per week deal.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe press conference updates as Newcastle boss talks injuries, Chelsea and Luton Town
READ MORE: Eddie Howe answers back to questions on Lewis Hall
Jamaal Lascelles still deemed a big part of the future under Eddie Howe
Talks between Newcastle and Lascelles' agent on an extension to his current deal have been ongoing in the background at Benton towards the end of 2023. The centre-back was used sparingly last season but refused to give up his dream of staying at St James' Park. Howe actually singled out Lascelles for praise during pre-season in front of a handful of journalists in Philadelphia. But since then his current arrangement has ticked down to the last six months with the deal set to expire on June 30.
Howe said: "Jamaal has done really, really well this season. I think his game has come on in lots of different ways. Defensively and aerially he has always been very strong, you saw that against Fulham recently. I think his defensive understanding has been very good from what we want from day one.
"His use of the ball has improved and he looks really comfortable in the team at the moment and he's playing some good football. I'm not sure where his contract talks are, but he is part of our long-term future for sure."
United fans raise concerns over Arsenal kick off time after TV switch
Newcastle United Supporters' Club have raised concerns with the Football Supporters' Association after TNT Sports moved the kick off time for the away clash at Arsenal to 8pm on Saturday, 24th February.
Putting aside the late start on a Saturday for what was originally a 3pm fixture, the issue is added expense as the last train to head back to Newcastle leaves at half-time of the game. NUSC stated: We have raised our concerns regarding fixture scheduling for travelling supporters with the Football Supporters' Association.
"Football supporters always the last consideration." The cost of living crisis has also resulted in a surge in accommodation charges in the capital.