Newcastle United have presented their project to a highly-rated young English forward after holding pre-summer talks.
Eddie Howe under pressure as Newcastle prepare for Villa
Eddie Howe endured his darkest fortnight at Newcastle before Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham offered precious breathing space, yet Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Aston Villa carries enormous significance for a manager whose position remains under intense scrutiny.
Newcastle’s recent nightmare, three consecutive defeats, including a humiliating 3-2 home loss to Brentford, prompted supporter boos at both half-time and full-time.
It left Howe publicly admitting he wasn’t doing a good enough job, with the self-critical confession following a brutal run which saw the Magpies thrashed 4-1 at Liverpool, knocked out of the EFL Cup semi-finals before last Saturday’s collapse against Brentford.
Tuesday’s narrow Spurs triumph offered vital relief.
Jacob Ramsey’s first Newcastle goal secured three points, temporarily lifting the Magpies to 10th whilst easing pressure following their worst patch since the 2021 Saudi takeover.
However, concerns immediately emerged over captain Bruno Guimaraes, who hobbled off late with a hamstring injury, potentially catastrophic timing given their packed fixture schedule.
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The Magpies could solve their attacking problems.
Saturday’s Villa Park visit represents another crucial test.
Unai Emery’s injury-ravaged squad are beatable right now, yet Newcastle face their own fitness nightmare heading into the tie, with Joelinton and Lewis Miley still sidelined whilst Guimaraes’ long-term availability hangs in the balance.
The Magpies then confront a punishing schedule.
Wednesday’s Champions League knockout play-off first leg away to Qarabag in Baku, followed by trips to City and the return fixture against the Azerbaijani opponents.
Howe’s squad face six matches across 17 days without midweek breaks, relentless demands which have exposed their inferior depth compared to their big-spending rivals.
Behind-the-scenes, Newcastle continue transfer planning with their usual PSR shackles, and they’re now attempting to steal a march in the race for Blackburn Rovers sensation Igor Tyjon.
Newcastle present plan to Igor Tyjon after pre-summer talks
As per TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks over signing Tyjon this summer, with his Ewood Park contract due to expire in June.
The 17-year-old has bagged nine goals in 22 Blackburn Under-21 outings this season, and has long been courted by Arsenal, who had multiple bids rejected in January.
The Gunners aren’t alone in the race though, with Howe’s side, Man United and Liverpool all talking to his camp and presenting their plans for the teenager as his contract runs out.
While Tyjon has only made a handful of senior appearances and hasn’t played a single senior game for Blackburn so far this season, the forward has been raved about in Lancashire for years.
Former Rovers boss John Eustace has called him a ‘standout’ young player, and a real one to watch in the next few years.
“Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club,” said the ex-boss in 2024
“He had a fantastic pre-season. He’s just played for England in the week. I was delighted to give him his debut today. He has worked, very, very hard. He’s a 16-year-old boy and we have to remember that. He is certainly one for the future.”
The reports of Arsenal having multiple bids rejected for the England Under-18 international tells you all you need to know, and Newcastle could offer him a clearer route into the first team.
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He’s been in excellent form since leaving Anfield.