Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Wednesday, October 5.
'It was a taste' - Newcastle United police escort whetted appetite of players dreaming of Europe
Newcastle United ace Dan Burn knows that the Magpies must take one step at a time when it comes to qualifying for Europe - but admits that the summer clash with Benfica gave him a real taste for Continental competition.
As Newcastle celebrate their year anniversary since the Middle East takeover, they will do so sitting in what will be a Europa Conference League place at the end of the season. The competition is still in its infancy after a UEFA revamp but Toon fans would not complain about it at the end of the season and it was good enough for Jose Mourinho's Roma last term.
READ NEXT: Allan Saint-Maximin's agency drop injury hint to back up Eddie Howe's Newcastle United hopes
Of course, it's still early days but Burn says that the narrow 3-2 loss against Benfica left him hungry for more last summer.
Transfer bonus Newcastle United can enjoy after careful summer stance
Newcastle United have an advantage in transfer windows to come after clever money management in the 12 months since the Saudi ownership took the reins last October.
The Magpies have admittedly spent £200m in just two transfer windows, first to see off the threat of Premier League relegation and then to try and emulate last season's success and mid-table finish.
But Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have hardly put a foot wrong in the market so far, enjoying an incredible strike rate with their nine arrivals to date. However, there is money left in the pot for a rainy day, giving Newcastle a huge boost when it comes to January and even next summer.
The two big Newcastle United fitness calls Eddie Howe has to make this week
Allan Saint-Maximin is back in training with Newcastle United and in contention for the home clash with Brentford - and Alexander Isak is also moving closer to a return.
The French winger has not played since the 1-1 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in August after a hamstring injury. But after spending some time away from the group he is now back in the groove. Newcastle are also carefully assessing Joelinton after he missed the victory in London with a knee injury but he was fit enough to be on the bench and is eager to return.
Sweden international Isak was missing for the 4-1 win at Fulham but trained alone last week and is edging closer to training with his team-mates once again. Eddie Howe would have a new selection dilemma if both stars return soon after the emphatic win in the capital at Craven Cottage.
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- Eddie Howe's red card verdict as Newcastle boss feared for Sean Longstaff
- Eddie Howe delighted with Newcastle United 'attitude' as Magpies 'wanted it more' at Fulham
- Almiron's best this term, Longstaff dominates, NUFC player ratings
- Match report: Dominant United up to seventh after four-star display
