Newcastle United Q&A with Miles Starforth & Liam Kennedy: Takeover talk, COVID-19 crisis and the January transfer window on the agenda

From a news sense the Magpies remain a club that keep on giving – and, as part of our regular Toon Trending Topic, writers Miles Starforth and Liam Kennedy are on hand to assess the latest talking points at St James’s Park.

Will Newcastle United's season be impacted further by their squad issues with COVID-19?

MS: “It’s certainly a possibility. A significant number of players are self-isolating - the club has not confirmed the number of Covid-19 cases - and Steve Bruce and his staff will need adequate time on the pitch to prepare the squad for the West Bromwich Albion game. It’s hoped training can restart early next week, but if this is not possible, then the fixture will be in jeopardy.”

LK: “West Brom is at risk, but you’d have to hope United can get a grip on things between now and then. Players who tested positive pre-Palace should be OK for this one. So that adds three to the ranks. Getting the numbers to put a team out SHOULD be OK. But if the players are unable to train, that raises huge concerns in the run up to the fixture. We will just have to wait and see on this one...”

Is there any risk United could be punished - points awarded to other team, etc - if another game needs to be called off?

MS: “I think we’d again be looking at a postponement, not forfeit. This is a health issue, and punishing Newcastle United for trying to properly contain a Covid-19 outbreak would not be the right move. In any case, the club maintains that it has followed all the Covid-19 protocols.”

LK: “The only way United could be docked, punished or the points awarded to the opposition would be if they have not followed the correct Premier League protocols. They say they have so we have to have faith in that.”

Ten games in, what have you made of United's performances so far this campaign?

MS: “Some good, some bad. The performances in the wins over West Ham United, Burnley, Everton and Crystal Palace stand out. Steve Bruce’s side matched up well to those teams. That said, there are more questions than answers about Steve Bruce’s formation and tactics this season. We’ve got from attacking to defensive, and Allan Saint-Maximin, so important last season, has been anonymous since signing a new contract in October.”

LK: “A real mixed bag. Positives being West Ham, Burnley, Crystal Palace and particularly Everton – the latter, in my opinion, being United’s best all round show so far this season. The goals of Callum Wilson have helped get results where last season points would have been dropped and Karl Darlow’s new contract has been more than earned with his almost flawless Premier League performances, easing the fears of the United faithful with Martin Dubravka out long-term. For every positive, though, there has been a negative. And when it’s been bad, it’s been downright dreadful. Spurs was a shocker, despite the point, Chelsea a surrender and Man United, a capitulation. United this season are often too passive without the ball, allowing the opposition to build up possession and momentum. This is the big thing that needs to change moving forward. Most teams press everything now, such is the trend. Newcastle just need to press something… Anything.”

Is Steve Bruce looking to do business in the January window?

MS: “Yes, he is. Bruce is looking to bring at least one player to the club next month, but it’s unlikely that we’ll see much spent. Loans are an option - Manchester United’s Brandon Williams has been linked with the club - but the club could make a permanent signing if the deal was right. One possibility is former loanee Jetro Willems. He’s available, but the deal would have to work for United - and Willems.”

LK: “Newcastle United are likely to be active with loan deals the priority. A midfielder and a striker are high on the list as well as a potential defensive recruit. Scouting reports have been compiled and the loan market scoured. I’d expect United will add, as well as trim the fat a little more – just like they did in the summer.”

What's the latest with the takeover situation?

MS: “Ongoing, as ever. Things are going on behind the scenes, and the Public Investment Fund is in the background waiting on developments. Importantly, the would-be buyers, Mike Ashley and the club's fans are all united in their determination to make this deal happen.”

LK: “I love the interaction with fans on social media, and I understand the frustrations around the discussion of this deal after so many false dawns and broken hopes. But one thing that I keep getting asked is whether the legal action taken by Mike Ashley is really to get the takeover through, or is it just for compensation? I honestly cannot stress enough how much Ashley wants this deal to go through. He wants rid of Newcastle United to continue hoovering up the high street. The only compensation he wants, at least initially, is the £300+ million he will receive if the Premier League give the takeover the green light. And what I will say on the matter, finally, is that no one party is working harder to push this over the line than Ashley’s. After near 14 years some may find that hard to stomach, but it’s fact.”