INSIDE NEWCASTLE: Magpies confident they can still land Marc Guehi

Newcastle remain confident of signing Eddie Howe’s top summer target Marc Guehi - but that would almost certainly mean no marquee right winger arriving at St James’ Park.

Sources have told Inside Newcastle there is unlikely to be money for significant incomings beyond Guehi, unless there are outings. At present, there is no movement on that front, and that would leave the Magpies exploring the loan market. As it stands, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke is not being pursued, despite reports.

Howe entered the close-season hopeful of signing both a centre-back and right winger. Indeed, Crystal Palace wideman Michael Olise was at the top of the list before his move to Bayern Munich.

But with Guehi now the priority and a deal north of £60m edging closer for the Palace defender, the chances of serious money being put down for a right-winger are extremely slim. Miguel Almiron has seen a move to MLS collapse, and the Paraguayan will stay at the club if Newcastle are unable to sign a replacement.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell is leading talks with Palace over Guehi and there is an expectation that an agreement will be reached. The 24-year-old is unlikely to feature for Palace versus West Ham on Saturday if there is progress entering the weekend.

Newcastle have also asked about a deal for Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, while Mohamed Simakan of RB Leipzig is another centre-back of interest (story with Sami Mokbel).

Winger woe (Part two)…

Eddie Howe made a couple of big selection calls ahead of the season opener against Southampton, and we’re told one player in particular was very frustrated not to be involved from the off.

Harvey Barnes had started five of Newcastle’s six pre-season fixtures and performed well. Indeed, the winger had expected to start the game against Saints given his own form and fitness, and the fact Anthony Gordon was among the internationals to return late for pre-season.

The 26-year-old thought he had done enough to kick off the campaign in the side but had to settle for a place on the bench, eventually replacing Gordon midway through the second half and helping to see home a 1-0 win.

It’s no bad thing that Barnes is itching to go, though, given he missed the bulk of last season because of injury.

Catts eyes new challenge

It was interesting to see Lee Cattermole in attendance at the Under-21 Tyne-Wear derby at Whitley Park on Monday night.

The 36-year-old has been out of work since leaving his role as coach of Middlesbrough’s Under-18s last year and is looking for a new opportunity.

Everything I’ve heard about him as a coach has been extremely positive and, while this might not appeal to some given his Sunderland connections, it would probably be worth Newcastle considering him for their Under-21 vacancy.

Interestingly, Cattermole’s former manager at Sunderland, Jack Ross, was in the Newcastle dugout on Monday, filling the void left by Ben Dawson, who has joined Leicester’s first-team coaching set-up.

Former Newcastle defender Steve Watson has been helping with coaching at the academy, but he is currently boss of National League North side Darlington.

Meanwhile, we can confirm that the Under-18s post vacated by Graeme Carrick - who has joined brother Michael at Middlesbrough - has been filled by former Newcastle youth player Chris Moore, who will be assisted by James Marwood, another ex-Magpie who recently left his position with Boro’s Under-18s.

Trev revs up for senior bow 

I had a chat with winger Trevan Sanusi after the Under-21s game, in which he stood out during a 1-1 draw against Sunderland last Monday.

The England youth international, 17, confirmed he will not be leaving on loan this season and has instead set himself the goal of making his senior debut.

Eddie Howe has told him he needs to score and create more goals and there is also a programme being devised to help the teenager mature physically. He is very slight when up close.

But the talent is clearly there and one Championship scout in attendance told me how taken he was with Sanusi. It could be that a loan move is looked at 12 months down the line, given Newcastle want to monitor his development more closely this season.

Howe stays! 

Newcastle’s scouting department have moved from their hut in the car park of the club’s training ground to the newly-acquired former Northumberland FA building next door.

However, it appears Andy Howe is likely to remain on the main site with the first-team. The 30-year-old, nephew of Eddie, is now the club’s assistant head of first-team recruitment after a title change in recognition of the work he has done in identifying and recruiting senior players.

Eddie's the burgker king 

A barbecue involving players and their families was arranged at the club’s training ground this week.

While there was wind, as ever on Tyneside, at least the sun made an appearance. It is not the first time Eddie Howe has sought to garner team spirit and togetherness with a group barbecue, and the head coach places great emphasis on involving partners and children.

Dec wants Toon transfer! 

I had a chance meeting with Declan Donnelly on Tyneside earlier this week, and what a charming chap he is.

But I’m also pleased to report that he remains exactly the same as all Newcastle supporters. What was the first thing he asked… ‘Who are we signing?!’.

Toon teaser

It’s Toon Teaser time… I know you guys enjoyed these last season, and thank you for the multiple DMs with those offering answers!

Just to note, the answers will be revealed on Friday on our new NUFC-dedicated WhatsApp channel. It’s free and is available HERE.

Here is this week’s puzzler… ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth, can you name the NINE players to have played for Newcastle and Bournemouth (in any division) since the Premier League began in 1992-93. 

Clue: the first one appeared for Bournemouth in 2006…