Newcastle United unearth £55m alternative as deal already sealed for Man Utd & Liverpool target

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Newcastle United got the job done, and that’s all that matters.

It wasn’t pretty at times, especially not in the first-half but a rotated Magpies team found a way past the mighty Bromley.

An FA Cup upset looked on... well, for eight minutes anyway. Cameron Congreve handed the visitors a shock lead but Lewis Miley soon levelled with a canny strike from distance.

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In the second-half, the introduction of some big guns, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, helped United make it a routine victory. Gordon made it 2-1 from the penalty before Will Osula netted his first goal for the club.

A trip to League One leaders Birmingham City awaits in the next round. By then, Eddie Howe’s side will know whether they are Carabao Cup finalists.

Anyway, here’s our five talking points from the Bromley win.

Fringe players don’t grasp opportunities

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Changes were expected against Bromley, it was just a case of how many. And the answer was only Martin Dubravka and Joelinton survived Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal.

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That, in turn, handed an opportunity to several fringe players, many of whom let it pass them by.

A quad injury for Harvey Barnes which forced him off at half-time probably explains his under-par showing. United will hope his issue doesn’t require a spell on the sidelines but in truth, it is no major concern - Gordon is the clear first choice on the left wing.

Sticking with the attack, Miguel Almiron, for as much as he works hard and gives 110%, didn’t and hasn’t looked like creating or scoring goals.

A year of speculation surrounding his future, you have to wonder the mental toll it has taken on the Paraguayan. He has fallen down the pecking order and yesterday looked like a player who has reached the end of the road on Tyneside.

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That’s two players highlighted, but only Miley emerged from the first half with any real credit.

Although he was outmuscled for Bromley’s opener, the 18-year-old immediately redeemed himself with the equaliser as he drilled the ball home from 25 yards out.

Bruno & Gordon change the flow

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Gordon came on in place of the injured Barnes, while Bruno Guimaraes for Joelinton was pre-planned. But given how flat the first half was, you wouldn’t have been mistaken for thinking Howe made the double change off the cuff.

It took Gordon just three minutes to make his mark when he converted from 12 yards, while Guimaraes brought an air of class to the midfield. Both players raised the levels and it was no coincidence Newcastle went on to win the game comfortably.

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“He wants to play every minute of every game, regardless of the competition,” Howe said on Guimaraes. “I love that about him, he's highly motivated so I had no doubt when bringing Bruno on that he would adapt quickly to the pace and then hopefully show his qualities.

“I thought he played really well and made a difference to our performance. It was good to see because he obviously was suspended against Arsenal, we didn't want him to lose his rhythm - that was why it was important, I think, that he played some minutes today.”

Sandro Tonali back-up

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This was Miley’s first senior start since February 2024 and at 18 years of age was the youngest starter on the pitch. Not that you would have known that based on his performance.

Admittedly, he didn’t start the game well and was easily held off by Congreve before he turned to curl the ball past Dubravka to open the scoring.

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But the Stanley-born midfielder didn’t hide. He demanded the ball at every opportunity and always showed an eye for a pass. A threaded ball through to Osula should have ended in an assist but it worked out for the better when seconds later Miley drilled home the equaliser from distance.

Deployed in the number six role, Miley deputised well as Sandro Tonali watched on from the bench. It wasn’t a perfect display by any means, but the England youth international showed shades of the Italian’s technical ability.

Miley is still only young, he is far from the finished article. But in the words of Howe, Miley has a big future at the football club.

Osula is up and running

Newcastle United's Danish striker #18 William Osula celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 12, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Newcastle United's Danish striker #18 William Osula celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 12, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)
Newcastle United's Danish striker #18 William Osula celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 12, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) | AFP via Getty Images

Maybe to some, Osula’s goal had felt like a long time coming but it is worth remembering this was only the 21-year-old’s second start since joining from Sheffield United for £15million in the summer.

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You can see exactly why Newcastle wanted to sign him. Big, strong, quick and powerful, if the Magpies can nurture those raw talents then success will undoubtedly follow.

Howe and his coaches are being patient with Osula, and the player himself is putting in the work on the training pitch. His goal was deserved, and right out of the top draw.

“A big moment for Will, because any striker wants to score when they go to a new club, they want to score early, just to settle them down and he's been waiting and waiting and needing that goal, really,” said Howe.

“It was a spectacular one when he came, what a strike from him. I'm delighted for him personally, he needed that.”

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A competitive debut

Newcastle United teenager winger Trevan Sanusi.  (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)Newcastle United teenager winger Trevan Sanusi.  (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Newcastle United teenager winger Trevan Sanusi. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Having featured regularly for the first team in pre-season, Howe called up 17-year-old Trevan Sansui to the squad against Bromley. Then, in the 69th minute, the United boss put him on the pitch for his competitive debut.

And he certainly isn’t one for lacking confidence.

Always with the intention of taking on his opponent, there were times when it didn’t come off but his fearless approach was admirable. A tricky winger and good on the eye, another outing at senior level is no coincidence.

While he has years of development still to go, it’s clear Newcastle see something special in the former Birmingham City kid, who reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United before moving to the North East 18 months ago.

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