TOON KITMAN’S SON ON STANDBY TO WEAR GLOVES

THE teenage son of Newcastle’s kitman is on standby for involvement in the Carabao Cup final. England youth international Max Thompson, 18, is set to be third-choice keeper behind Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie for Sunday’s showpiece against Manchester United. With Nick Pope suspended, Martin Dubravka cup-tied and Karl Darlow on loan at Hull, Karius is set to play — five years after his horror show in the Champions League final for Liverpool. ‘It would be a magnificent chance for him to rewrite the story of his career,’ said Toon boss Eddie Howe.

QPR have appointed Gareth Ainsworth as their new head coach. Ainsworth, 49, left League One Wycombe after 10 years to sign a three-and-a-halfyear deal to replace the sacked Neil Critchley. Ainsworth made 152 appearances for the Hoops and had two spells as caretaker boss and said: ‘I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I love my time here as a manager.’ His replacement at Wycombe is Matt Bloomfield, who joins from in-form Colchester.

ASTON VILLA would consider offers for Emiliano Martinez this summer, but are set to demand a high price for their World Cup winner. Martinez, 30, has made clear his ambition to win the Champions League and while Villa are under no financial pressure to sell, Sportsmail understands they are not closed to the idea of doing so.

Villa coach Unai Emery’s ideal is to have a ‘sweeperkeeper’ in the style of Manchester City’s Ederson. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham may all be in the market for a keeper in summer.