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Chris Knight

Newcastle United evening headlines: Shearer's statue, Guimaraes decision, summer transfer latest

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer's statue looks set to be moved back within the boundaries of St James' Park.

Elsewhere, Eddie Howe must make a decision on whether to hand Bruno Guimaraes his full Magpies debut against Aston Villa.

Here are your Newcastle United headlines for February 10.

Shearer's statue plans

Newcastle United's new owners will move Alan Shearer's statue on to the stadium's boundaries.

The Shearer statue was erected by the city council in 2016 when Mike Ashley would not entertain the idea of it being placed close to the Sir Bobby Robson statue near the Gallowgate End.

Alan Shearer statue (Newcastle Chronicle)

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But a council notice near the ground shows clearly that a planning application has been submitted and providing there are no objections, Shearer will be moved to "home" turf.

Guimaraes decision

Eddie Howe must decide whether to start new boy Bruno Guimaraes in Newcastle United's huge clash against Aston Villa.

Howe had 50,000 fans calling for the classy Brazil international midfielder to be thrust into action from the hour mark onwards in the 3-1 win over Everton.

Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United arrives for the Premier League match with Everton (Newcastle United via Getty Images)

By starting Bruno, Howe would face a selection dilemma with Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock all playing incredibly well in the victory against the Toffees.

Geordie fans loved Bruno's elegant backheel during his injury time cameo but it remains to be seen whether Howe continues to ease the former Lyon ace in gradually.

Summer transfer plans

Newcastle United are determined to hit the ground running when the summer window opens and organisation for the next trading period is already well under way.

Chronicle Live understands that United's recruitment team - currently headed by Steve Nickson - are now putting together a long list for the next window.

And while Newcastle's divisional status is unclear, Nickson and his team are looking to finalise a list of players that cover bases for all eventualities.

Andy Howe profile

Eddie Howe has been keen to surround himself with figures he trusts at Newcastle United and no one knows the Magpies' head coach better than his nephew, Andy.

The pair are especially close - Andy is the son of Eddie's sister, Rowena - and have previously worked together at Bournemouth.

(Andy Howe Instagram)

However, Howe is ruthless enough to only recruit a staff member if he feels he can make a difference and his relative has a detailed knowledge of what exactly the 44-year-old looks for in a player, when it comes to their technical ability and character, and what he may need in the future.

Relegation odds

Newcastle have emerged as strong favourites to survive Premier League relegation after their 3-1 win against Everton.

Eddie Howe’s side put the Toffees to the sword on Tuesday night to move out of the drop zone and within a point of their Merseyside counterparts.

The result has seen the Magpies become outsiders for relegation with SkyBet at 9/4 - a far cry away from the 8/15 you would have been offered at the start of December.

Coutinho update

Aston Villa could be without three key players for this weekend’s crucial Premier League clash this weekend.

One man who will not feature is defender Ezri Konsa as he was foolishly sent off for a second yellow card in the dying embers of Villa’s 3-3 thriller with Leeds.

The Villans could also be without summer signing Emiliano Buendia after he hobbled off on Wednesday with a knock.

The playmaker was in fine form for Aston Villa last night, scoring the equaliser before setting up youngster Jacob Ramsey for both his first-half strikes.

Unluckily for Newcastle fans, Gerrard revealed that his substitution was due to fatigue and he expects the maverick to be fit for Sunday.

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