Newcastle United handed injury blow as Arsenal ‘consider’ move for Magpies winger

Newcastle United have all-but secured a Champions League spot next season following a win over Southampton over the weekend.

The Magpies are nine points ahead of Liverpool in fourth place with just five games remaining, meaning Eddie Howe’s men are - at the very most - three wins away from making a top four finish official, while slip-ups from Liverpool will only reduce that figure. Newcastle are next in action against Arsenal on Sunday, and that should prove a big test for Howe’s in-form men.

As preparations ramp up for that one, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Lascelles blow

Newcastle are set to be without club captain Jamaal Lascelles for the rest of the season.

As reported by the Chronicle, the centre-back has picked up an unfortunate injury during one of the Magpies’ training sessions. The injury is said to be bad enough for Lascelles to miss out on the remaining games, and that will be seen as a blow for Newcastle’s, whose depth at the back has now been reduced.

It’s likely Paul Dummett will now have a bigger part to play ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Allan claims

Arsenal are said to be interested in signing a current Newcastle star this summer.

According to Fichajes.net, the Gunners are interested in signing Allan Saint-Maximin as they look to add depth to their front line. The report comes after previous reports that claimed Allan will move on if he does not get assurances that he will feature regularly next season.

Newcastle are likely to make improvements of their own, potentially threatening Allan’s position, but the Frenchman is not likely to be first choice at Arsenal should he go there ahead of next season.