Newcastle United face transfer battle and loaned out player has ‘knee problems’

Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend following the international break.

Eddie Howe’s side face a tricky trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

The Toon Army are currently sat in 10th place in the league table after the opening seven games.

Here is a look at some of the latest news coming out of the club...

Target linked with fellow Premier League club

Newcastle have been linked with Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, as per a report by Italian news outlet CalcioMercato.

The Italy international is currently on loan at Serie A giants Juventus but is facing an uncertan future right now.

CalcioMercato now claim current table toppers Arsenal are also in the frame to land him and could make an ‘attempt’ to bring him to England.

Opposition player delivers verdict

Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno believes Howe’s side have ‘underperformed’ so far in this campaign.

The Germany international made the switch to the Cottagers over the summer from Arsenal and has since become their number one.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash, the stopper has told their club website: “Newcastle have a very good team but I think they’ve underperformed a little bit.

“They had a big game against Liverpool but conceded a [winning] goal at the end, two weeks ago they played against Bournemouth and unfortunately got just one point.

“They have a little bit of pressure to win some games, and I think at Craven Cottage we showed everyone how strong we are, what kind of football we play.”

Loan man’s injury blow

Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden, who is on loan at Norwich City, is still awaiting his debut for the Canaries.

The midfielder was given the green light to switch to Carrow Road over the summer to get some game time under his belt.

As per The Athletic, he is suffering from ‘knee problems’ and returned to his parent club for an assessment over the international break.