'Written in stars' - Elliot Anderson delivered direct Newcastle United message when spotted in the city

Elliot Anderson, to everyone associated with Newcastle United, is the one who got away.

He had to go, didn’t want to, but it was a necessary evil. As we all know, the Magpies’ financial situation dictated they must sell, and Anderson was one who Nottingham Forest wanted. Anderson himself knew the task, too, and didn’t kick up a fuss in order to ensure his boyhood club avoided a points deduction.

He cheaply gifted Newcastle a penalty at St James’ Park on Sunday, but outside of that underlined exactly why he is the talk of the England beat, with an imperious midfield display in a struggling Forest side.

When the final whistle went he was cheered by the home fans and cuddled by Eddie Howe. He is still very much part of things at Newcastle, and the Whitley Bay lad knows it, too.

So, given the opportunity to stay a little longer pre-international break, Anderson went out on Tyneside and was spotted in popular Quayside nightspot, Khai Khai. And the restaurant, a favourite haunt of many of the NUFC players and Alan Shearer, needed no second invitation to post about it on social media - and they sent a cheeky message to the player after his meal with brother, Will.

To their Facebook page, they posted: “It was a delight to host one of the world’s most in-form midfielders, our very own Elliot Anderson, along with his brother Will, following our 2–0 victory over Forest.It’s written in the stars that you’ll be back home at St James’ Park one day… and dining with us on the regular! What do we all think — agree? Good luck with England, Elliot!”

Eddie Howe on Elliot Anderson clause

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Forest clash, Howe confirmed Newcastle did not insert a buy-back clause in the deal. He essentially left for £15million as Odysseas Vlachodimos headed in the opposite direction, with the Magpies managing a weak negotiating position.

“It certainly was a rushed deal,” Howe said. “We were around the clock, trying to explore every avenue to find another way to beat a points deduction. But in terms of buybacks, we weren’t in a bargaining position, so our strength to negotiate those things were non-existent.”

Eddie Howe would ‘love’ Elliot Anderson return

As Anderson prepares his second return to St James’ Park, Howe also admitted he would be open to the midfielder - now an England international - returning in the future. The Toon boss quickly clarified that he does not like talking about rival players.

“From my perspective, I would love him too (return),” Howe added. “I’m very respectful of the fact he is at another football club and I would never normally talk about a player in that way, so, I won’t change that stance.

“It is very regrettable that a player from the academy who had given so much… and the club had given so much too, the coaching staff, all those years here, and how people tried to develop those talents, for him not to be utilised here is a real shame.”

‘Mixed feelings’ - Eddie Howe

In a press conference dominated by Anderson, Howe took a swipe at the PSR regulations that forced Newcastle’s hand. He said: “Every time I watch him play, there are mixed feelings. It’s not on my mind every day, but there are certain moments.

“It doesn’t sit right with me that we, as a football club, had to make a decision that we didn’t want to make. It’s happened. We wish Elliot nothing but the best.”