Eddie Howe has experienced just one public dispute with a Newcastle United player until this summer. That specific incident occurred when winger Ryan Fraser disappeared from view following a spell as an unused substitute during the away fixture against AFC Bournemouth in March 2023.

The Magpies are on the verge of completing the signing of Malick Thiaw, who will become the third new recruit of the summer following Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale. But the summer has been overshadowed by Newcastle missing out on a number of leading targets and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak.

Eddie Howe believes Anthony Gordon's injury may not be as bad as initially feared with the Newcastle forward deputising as a No 9 ahead of their Premier League opener