Boss hails ‘ruthless’ Magpies

NEWCASTLE United’s ‘ruthless side’ particularly pleased head coach Eddie Howe during their 5-1 win over neighbours Gateshead in their pre-season opener.

Matt Ritchie put the hosts ahead in the first half of the behindclosed-doors friendly before Joelinton added a penalty shortly after the break.

After Paul Blackett gave the visitors hope, Miguel Almiron netted a late brace and Sean Longstaff struck in the final minute for the Magpies.

United recorded the resounding win without a number of their star men on the pitch. New boys Nick Pope and Sven Botman and internationals Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood have all only recently returned to training and were left out of the game.

Howe was ‘disappointed’ with the one goal Newcastle conceded and acknowledged there were ‘another couple of moments where we need to tighten up’.

But the head coach was pleased with elements of his side’s attacking display.

“You saw a couple of great counter-attacks at the end and there could have been more so we showed a ruthless side right at the end,” he told NUFC TV.

“I’d have loved us to show that a bit earlier, but it came and when it came, we showed we can be a really potent force.”

Meanwhile, Lyon president JeanMichel Aulas insists his club have offers for Lucas Paqueta this summer.

The Brazil international has been linked with Newcastle in recent months due to his close friendship with Bruno Guimaraes and trips to Tyneside in recent months.

Arsenal are reported suitors, along with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City.

Newcastle are focused on strengthening other positions and are yet to launch any offer for the Brazilian. But Aulas, a notoriously tough negotiator, says offers have be submitted.

“There are offers for him,” he said. “There are some players who can feel fully fulfilled by the project, and others who can’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives”

Lyon boss Peter Bosz has spoken with Paqueta but has seemingly accepted an exit is on the cards.

“I want to keep all the good players, but you also have to be realistic,” Bosz said. “Lucas is a very important player, but it depends on what the player wants. I’ve already had a conversation with him, but that will remain between us.”