Newcastle United

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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says choosing defenders "is a headache" for manager Eddie Howe.

Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have become a regular defensive pairing this season with Dan Burn filling in for Lewis Hall at left-back.

But, with Hall returning from injury, it leaves Howe with a decision to make over who his first-choice centre backs are.

"It will be interesting to see now that Hall is back and getting some minutes again what happens when everyone is fully fit and who he [Howe] goes with," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Does Dan Burn start? That sounds absolutely ridiculous [to question] because of how well he has done, and talk about [Fabian] Schar too, with Thiaw and Botman as well because of how well they have done. It is a headache for the manager.

"I think a lot of fans will say, because of what Schar has done in the past and because of what Dan Burn has done in the past, it's not that long ago but it is still the past, 'you've got to stick with them'.

"But it is harsh, football, everyone will tell you that. You've got two lads who have come into the team, Botman and Thiaw, and the manager might say 'look, you have done brilliant for us but you are going to have to be on the bench because I am fancying them two'.

"Harsh, but it is 100% football."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at St. James' Park (kick-off 14:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall are doing well upon their return from injuries: "Fabian was given a strict [concussion] protocol to follow, and he did, and now he's back fit. He looks good. Lewis has been slightly more complex just trying to get him to feel totally comfortable within his body again. I think he's on the right path, and he's doing well, but we have to continue to make sure that we monitor his load."

• He confirmed full-back Tino Livramento didn't tear his ACL after being stretchered off against Arsenal but has suffered a knee ligament injury and will be out for eight weeks: "It's a blow to be losing him for those eight weeks, because with our schedule at the moment, that means a lot of games. But because of what it could have been, I think it's very good news. He's already had a couple of injections in the ligament to strengthen it up."

• On Newcastle's squad depth: "That's the beauty of the strength of the squad we have, which will make a difference for us this year. We've got some real depth in the defensive areas of the squad, and we're going to need those options if we are going to be successful."

• Howe says Nick Woltemade is settling in well at Newcastle, adding: "He's continually laughing with his team-mates. He seems at home already, which is absolutely crucial to his success on the pitch. I think the players most importantly are beginning to understand his game on the pitch. You see the lads really trust him with the ball. But his link play the other day, bringing in the wingers into play was the highest level."

• On Anthony Elanga, who was sold from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest in the summer: "I think he's had a number of big contributions. He's had a number of moments that could have dictated the game. Very good crosser of the ball, whether that's early or whether that's working towards the byline. I think he's a productive player, certainly playing with good confidence and good rhythm."

• When asked if he feels his team are starting to click Howe said: "I think we've got a few clicks to go. But certainly I think we're finding our rhythm and our belief as a new team."

• On Sandro Tonali: "His physicality is one of those standout attributes that he possesses. I think he makes the difference continually for us in that way. He possesses a couple of gear changes that we relied on a couple of times on Wednesday. But then you add to that, his technical ability and his tactical understanding does make him a really good player."

• When asked if he would like to see Elliot Anderson back at Newcastle after they were forced to sell him to comply with PSR he said: "I would love him to... It doesn't sit right with me today, and that we as a football club are forced to make a decision that we didn't want to make, and a player that had given everything to rise through the ranks here and to try and play for Newcastle, was ended by financial restrictions. We wish Elliot nothing but success. It's nothing at all to do with him. Is to do with the restrictions."

• When asked if there's a determination to keep hold of local talent Louis Miley he said: "I think Louis can be whatever he wants to be from this moment onwards. I don't want to put too much pressure on him but you've got to look how important is it to have that northeast heartbeat inside the football club too. It's crucial for me. Since the day I arrived I realised the importance of the Geordie core, and we don't want to lose that. I think it's so important you have a presence from the local community in your squad."

• He says his commitment is with Newcastle after talks of him going to Manchester United circulated in the media: "My commitment here is, I'm all in. I'm 100% here. Always have been. My family is still here. We're fighting every day to try and make a success of what we're doing and the season ahead could be a wonderful thing."

Listen to Newcastle's game on BBC Radio 5 Live here

Hear more from Howe on BBC Sounds

Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad for the upcoming international break.

The Three Lions face Wales in a friendly on 9 October, before a World Cup qualifier against Latvia on 14 October.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer is absent after suffering an injury, while there is no place for Manchester City's Phil Foden or Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from City.

Newcastle are keen on Athletic Club's 25-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Dan Roan
Sports editor

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A decision on whether to scrap the Premier League's controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and adopt an "alternative system" is "coming up", says chief executive Richard Masters.

The current regulations, introduced in 2015-16 to prevent clubs from overspending, allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.

However, they have been criticised by several top-flight teams for limiting their ability to invest.

BBC Sport has been told a decision on any changes is likely to be made at a meeting in November.

In February, clubs chose to continue with PSR for the current season.

However a squad cost ratio (SCR) system of financial control was adopted by the Premier League on a shadowing, non-binding basis.

SCR is similar to Uefa's existing financial rules and allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.

Nine of the league's 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa's SCR as a result of qualifying for Europe. Both Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the rules.

Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."

He added: "It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is squad cost ratio, which is a revenue test. In Uefa, it's now set at 70%. Our system will be 85% because we always want our clubs to have the ability to invest.

"The Premier League has been built on the back of investment in which international capital flows [are] coming in. We don't want that to be to be stifled off."

Read more here

Charlotte Coates and Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalists

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It was a shock this week when Bayern Munich board member and legendary former player Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Newcastle were "idiots" for parting with £69m for Nick Woltemade.

Was he simply sending a barb out of bitterness at missing out on the striker, or commenting out of frustration that the riches of the Premier League are ramping up the prices of emerging talent?

Rummenigge, a former star forward for Germany who is a supervisory board member at Bayern, considered Stuttgart's demands too high for a player who was playing third-tier football just two years ago with SV Elversberg.

Rummenigge said during an interview with Blickpunkt Sport: "I can only congratulate those in Stuttgart for finding - I'll use quotation marks here - an idiot who paid that much money. Because we certainly wouldn't have done that in Munich."

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What is Woltemade's value?

The bottom line, like anything, is what someone is willing to pay.

So Woltemade is worth what Newcastle paid for him: £69m.

Woltemade's last valuation €30m (£26.1m) was at the start of June.

What happened next? He had a breakout few months.

His last Transfermarkt valuation came a day after winning his first senior cap with Germany.

He then spearheaded Germany's front line at the Under-21 Euros, winning the Golden Boot and being named in the team of the tournament.

Undoubtedly that would add to his value, but would those exploits add £43m?

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Re-sale value?

While £69m for a player who had played just 69 top-flight matches prior to this season is a lot of money, there is an element of long-term thinking with the signing of Woltemade.

At 23, the player's best years should be very much ahead of him. The man he has replaced this summer, Alexander Isak, is a good blueprint for what Newcastle will hope for from the German.

"Woltemade at Newcastle, they could end up making money on him, because I think they've got him at a good price," said former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison.

"He's a young age, and I think he can be good in the next three or four years where they can make good money on him."

Read the full piece on Nick Woltemade and his £69m fee

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team - send in your Newcastle's questions here.

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's game between Newcastle and Union Saint-Gilloise, which saw Eddie Howe's side take home their first Champions League win of the season.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: We did to Union SG what other experienced Champions League teams have done to us in past seasons. They had a lot of passion and enthusiasm and big confidence. But we were cold, man! We were ruthless and relentless and just took them to pieces. This was the best, most controlled and dominant Champions League game because we were never in danger and we looked like veterans to USGs naïve newcomers. We have arrived!

Andy: A very solid performance with the players performing as a team and there was a real purposeful intent to win the game. More like this please as we move forward.

Seb: A win was essential but that stomp was a statement. We've got plenty of work to do so it's fantastic to see some pay off for the work that's already gone into the new squad. [Nick] Woltemade, [Anthony] Elanga and [Malick] Thiaw looked exceptional out there and things have started gelling really well so I can't wait until we have [Jacob] Ramsey and [Yoane] Wissa to take it even further.

Neil: Well, what I learned from the game was Newcastle United can score and control the game, something that was lacking in the league games for a full 90+ minutes.

Marcus: We needed this. A rock solid display from everyone including the coaches and subs. It all seemed to gel with a shift around at the back and two pacey wingers drifting in and out of the box, and even swapping wings. Woltemade showed some quality touches as well as the goal [I'm pretty sure he was trying to jump out of the way when it hit his foot] but we'll take that. In the end, quite comfortable and enjoyable to watch. At last.

Kelvin: Best performance of the season so far! Howay the lads!

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BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily pundits Matthew Upson and Chris Sutton believes Newcastle four-goal haul in the Champions League will instill confidence in their attack in the Premier League.

In the aftermath of Alexander Isak's protracted exit over the summer, the Magpies have scored just four times in their opening six games.

However, a front three consisting of new signings Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga alongside Anthony Gordon started together for the first time on Wednesday and blew Union Saint-Gilloise away in Belgium.

"I think it's huge - especially coming away from home in the Champions League," said former Premier League striker Sutton.

"I'm very pleased for Woltemade. Coming into that role given the rumblings and surroundings over the summer was very difficult. To come in and score some goals and be a focal point early like he has been has been a really big boost for Newcastle.

"There's a lot of positives."

Former Arsenal defender Upson added: "It's big for them.

"We all know what happened in the summer and they've struggled for goals in the Premier League but there are encouraging signs. I thought it would be a tricky game but I was proven wrong.

"Union Saint-Gilloise have proven themselves to be a well organised outfit but to win as emphatically as Newcastle did will do them the world of good."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to the media after Wednesday's dominant Champions League win at Union Saint-Gilloise:

"Travelling out here, this was what we wanted - especially after the Arsenal ending. It was a big response from the players because it was a painful way to lose that game.

"The players had to dig deep, look within themselves and come out fighting again. That's what we do best. I thought it was a really good display.

"It was always going to be a tough game but I think as soon as we got that first goal it settled us down and we played really well.

"There was certainly some good bits from the front three. There a feeling we could score at any moment in the game. Two of the goals have come from penalties but we've scored four away from home. We couldn't have asked for any more and there were some good individual performances, which is good to see.

"I thought we attacked well and defended well. Any time you get a clean sheet in the Champions League away from home, it is a good statement to make.

"Hopefully it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we've been waiting for a performance like that. It wasn't perfect - there are things we can improve - but it was a big step in the right direction and in an important stage in the Champions League because we have to start well."

Listen to Eddie Howe's full post-match thoughts on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

You would not have known Newcastle United were the Premier League's joint-lowest goalscorers. Not by the manner in which the ruthless visitors took Union apart on Wednesday night.

No wonder those Newcastle supporters in the away end repeatedly sang about how they did not want to go home after seeing their side finally click in the attacking third.

This was the first game in which Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon have started together and the trio quickly caused Union problems.

Elanga, who had a hand in both of Newcastle's opening goals, tormented Fedde Leysen with his lightning pace.

Gordon is hardly a slouch, either, and the forward looks at home on this stage having already opened the scoring against Barcelona in Newcastle's opening Champions League fixture last month.

Rather than shying away, the Englishman embraced the responsibility of taking both of Newcastle's penalties.

He even had a role in Newcastle's fourth goal after winning the ball inside his own penalty area and playing a smart pass forward to William Osula, who teed up fellow substitute Barnes following a rapid breakaway.

And what about Woltemade?

Newcastle were called "idiots" by Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for spending £69m on the German, but he popped up with his third goal in just four starts at Lotto Park.

Woltemade's opener on Wednesday night was not exactly one for the highlight reel, but he has already shown innate ability to score typical 'number nine' goals by being in the right place at the right time inside the box in the opening weeks of his Newcastle career.

Sterner tests lie in wait in the weeks and months ahead as Newcastle look to qualify for the last 16, but this felt like a significant victory. In more ways than one.

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Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after a dominant 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League: "I'm really pleased with the performance. We owed it to the fans because we haven't had the best start to the season, but I think this will help us build momentum.

"We then need to keep that going and let the football do the talking.

"We played a good game from top to bottom. We need to build on this and carry it on in the Premier League, cup games and Champions League.

"It is important that we keep scoring goals the way that we did [tonight] and have that fluidity."

Did you know?

• Newcastle United have registered their biggest ever Uefa Champions League win, while it was their biggest away win in major European competition since beating Sochaux 4-0 in the Uefa Cup in November 2004.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Englishman Christian Burgess is among those who start for Union Saint-Gilloise.

Union Saint-Gilloise XI: Scherpen, Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen Khalaili, Zorgane, Van De Perre, Niang, Ait El Hadj, Rodriguez, David

Substitutes: Chambaere, Berradi, Patris, Sykes, Boufal, Giger Schoofs, Smith, Rasmussen, Barry

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has made two changes to his side.

Kieran Trippier and Anthony Elanga have come in for Tino Livramento, who is set for a spell on the sidelines, and Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Woltemade

Substitutes: Ramsdale, Thompson, Hall, Schar, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, J Murphy, Willock, A Murphy, Miley

There are nine games in the Champions League, three of them involving Premier League teams, on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Qarabag v Copenhagen (17:45)

• Union Saint-Gilloise v Newcastle (17:45)

• Arsenal v Olympiacos

• Barcelona v Paris St-Germain

• Bayer Leverkusen v PSV Eindhoven

• Borussia Dortmund v Athletic Club

• Monaco v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Napoli v Sporting

• Villarreal v Juventus

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Monaco v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play the Manchester City game".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

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Tino Livramento is expected to be out for six to eight weeks after being stretchered off in Newcastle's Premier League defeat against Arsenal.

The England full-back landed awkwardly after jumping for a header with Arsenal defender William Saliba late in the game.

The 22-year-old previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his time at Southampton, in 2022, and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said it was "really distressing" to see him carried off.

It is understood the injury is not as bad as first feared but Newcastle, as a result, are a little light at left-back, where Livramento has played the majority of his football this season.

So, Newcastle fans, how big of a blow is this news? Who should fill in for the 22-year-old? Get in touch with your views here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Eddie Howe was certainly not nursing a hangover following the dramatic defeat against Arsenal.

The Newcastle United head coach was so eager to get started that he even arrived into the media suite a minute early for his news conference ahead of Wednesday's match versus Union Saint-Gilloise.

Rather than sensing an adverse reaction to the weekend sucker punch, Howe instead said it should be a motivator for his side to "come back stronger" - and it needs to be.

Union may be Champions League debutants, but Newcastle cannot afford to just turn up against the Belgian champions, who beat PSV convincingly in their first ever game in the competition earlier this month.

And there was no danger of Howe and his staff underestimating Union following a quick turnaround from the weekend.

As well as personally reviewing his opponent, as always, Howe has familiarised his side with their new surroundings by training at Lotto Park on the eve of the game.

Howe did not always feel the need to do so when Newcastle last sat at Europe's top table a couple of years ago.

But this trip to Brussels feels significant as Newcastle look to rediscover some momentum and get their European campaign up and running.

Joelinton needed no reminding of that.

"We always learn in every game, every competition we play, every experience we have," the midfielder said. "We always try to learn something in defeats and in wins.

"I think the team has moved forward. Two years ago, I think we are a better team now.

"This season has not started the way we want, but we know the quality we have in our team. We have the confidence and we have experienced players to turn it on and I hope we can start tomorrow."