The “Northern Notebook” is i‘s weekly look inside the biggest football clubs in the north of England, providing insight, analysis and news on the burning issues of the day
Darwin Nunez is understood to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League, which will put Manchester United and Newcastle on red alert.
After Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City was confirmed, all eyes in the recruitment world are on Nunez, who is considered an outstanding talent that would be well suited to the Premier League.
And it is understood that the player himself believes England is the natural destination for his next move, with Benfica open to offers for a player they value at close to the £70million mark.
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Manchester United’s interest is well-established, they have scouted him intensively and it pre-dates the appointment of Erik ten Hag. The new boss is yet to give the green light to any moves in the transfer market but Nunez’s particular qualities may well suit Ten Hag’s style of play, with him having drawn the best out of Sebastien Haller at Ajax.
Newcastle also have an interest and are considering a move. But there’s an acceptance at St James’ Park that the deal may be a tough one to broker if other clubs show their hand this summer.
A tentative January approach did not bear fruit for Newcastle but his name has featured in recruitment meetings looking to a close season where signing a high calibre striker is the priority.
Eddie Howe’s side have big ambitions and were able to persuade Bruno Guimaraes to move from Lyon in January but Nunez may prove a tougher nut to crack.
The Magpies have sent out the message to clubs and agents that they are going to “box clever” in the transfer market. The club need to shift players off the books after making signings in January.
Hugo Ekitike, the Stade Reims forward, is still coveted by the Magpies and has admirers at Old Trafford as well.
It will be a fascinating summer in the striker transfer market with Haaland’s move now putting the focus on the rest of the world-class forwards who may be available. Kylian Mbappe has a contract offer from Paris Saint-Germain but also interest from Real Madrid, while Harry Kane’s next move is unclear.
In some ways, he would be the ideal candidate for Ten Hag but that prospect has been played down by recruitment insiders with Kane more likely than not to stay at Spurs – especially if Antonio Conte remains and is backed in the transfer market.
Tony Mowbray departs with head held high
There were tears at Blackburn’s Brockhall training ground on Tuesday as Tony Mowbray said his goodbyes after five years as Rovers boss.
Mowbray has said that he plans to take some time out of the game but he will not be short on offers after the work he did turning around Blackburn and rebuilding the club with a clear strategy and a basis on youth development.
Insiders say Mowbray’s work on the player’s personal development and the interest he took in them as individuals was especially impressive, hence the emotional reactions from some staff as he left.
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He certainly leaves with his head held high and one source in football reckons that he will “walk” into a Championship job next season if he wants to. But Mowbray is a man of integrity and will no doubt seek reassurances that the club are prepared to back him.
He clearly felt let down by Blackburn’s reticence to discuss a new deal earlier in the season and the silence around the issue illustrates the club’s desire to go in a different direction.
Daniel Farke, the ex-Norwich boss, is keen to come back to England but is waiting until the summer to assess his options. He is also an outside bet for the Burnley job, having been included on their shortlist.
Newcastle to bring women’s team on board in summer shake-up
Newcastle United will look to capitalise on the success of their recent women’s game at St James’ Park by incorporating the club as early as this summer.
The women’s team is currently run by the club’s independent charitable foundation, a hangover from the Mike Ashley era. While that ensured they have stability and a loose affiliation with Newcastle, co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have always wanted them under the banner of the club.
After the unbelievable success of the recent game against Alnwick Town – which drew a crowd of 22,134, the biggest attendance of the season in the women’s game – it now looks set to happen in the close season. That would be a move that could pave the way for key employees to go full-time and set the ball rolling for successive promotions and – ultimately – the Champions League dream Newcastle’s new owners have for the club.
Newcastle currently play in the fourth tier and were pipped to promotion this season by Liverpool Feds.
The club submitted plans for upgrades to the training ground with the local council last week but have emphasised they’re committed to building a new world class facility in the next few years. That will also house the women’s team, as well as the Academy and first team.
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