Magpies ponder playing pre-season warm-up match in Germany

NEWCASTLE United could be heading to Germany for a friendly this summer.

The Magpies have opted against a long haul pre-season trip, despite having offers from the United States and China.

Instead, Newcastle are considering a pre-season training camp in Ireland with their summer fixture list expected to be supplemented by one or two short hops around Europe.

Last season United took on Sporting Lokeren in Belgium and triumphed 4-0 as they prepared for the Sky Bet Championship season.

It is now believed the Magpies could play a warm-up game in Berlin ahead of the Premier League season.

The Magpies visited Germany in pre-season back in 2012 when Alan Pardew’s side lost 1-0 to Chemnitzer before beating Claudio Ranieri’s Monaco in Bavaria.

They returned in 2014 for the Schalke 04 Tournament.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is ideally looking to play five or six friendly matches with one game taking place at St James’ Park.

Reports in Italy have suggested newly-promoted Serie A side Hellas Verona could provide opposition for a date in August.

The Magpies are yet to confirm any summer arrangements and fans are advised to wait for the official announcements.

A friendly with Bradford City at Valley Parade is also thought to be on the table for the Magpies as Newcastle aim to offer fans the chance of a UK away game which involves minimal travelling.