David De Gea to Newcastle United claim made amid Tottenham clash prediction

Newcastle United return to action on Sunday when they face Tottenham in North London. Eddie Howe's men make the trip to the capital needing to bounce back from a shock defeat on Thursday night.

The Magpies were hit for three by Everton, and they will feel they need to bounce back quickly to keep up their top four chase. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding St James' Park.

Souness on De Gea

Graeme Souness believes the injured Nick Pope may struggle to get his starting job back if Newcastle sign free agent David De Gea ahead or indeed during the January window, “I think Newcastle’s move to sign David de Gea on a free as cover for Nick Pope is a very good idea. I’d go so far as to say that Pope might have his work cut out getting his place back when he’s recovered from his shoulder injury,” Souness has said.

“I signed Brad Friedel on a free twice — at Galatasaray and at Blackburn. He was my best free signing. But unlike De Gea, Brad had not been out of the game. For De Gea, the first few games could be difficult, as goalkeepers need games to get them up to speed. If you asked me, ‘De Gea or Pope?’ I would say, ‘De Gea, once he gets up to speed’. He’s the better all-round keeper.”

Lawrenson prediction

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has backed Tottenham over Newcastle ahead of Sunday's clash. He told PaddyPower: "I saw Tottenham v Manchester City game at the weekend and, whatever you think about Ange Postecoglou, he’s going to play one way and that’s it.

“I thought they were great at City because it looked like they were going to be absolutely buried and they came back. I think he’s a breath of fresh air in the league. Newcastle play later than Spurs so I fancy a home win.”