Magpies Ready to End Interest in Burnley’s James TraffordInterest in Trafford Cools as Newcastle Assess OptionsNewcastle United appear ready to draw a line under their prolonged interest in Burnley

Newcastle are beaten 4-0 by Celtic in their first pre-season fixture, with striker Alexander Isak left out of the Magpies squad.

Following Callum Wilson’s exit and the failure to sign Joao Pedro or Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle have been left alarmingly short up top. Remove Isak and they appear toothless, which is unnerving given his durability will be tested across 2025-26 with the additional demands of Champions League football.

Newcastle United began their preseason campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, as Kieran Tierney made his long-awaited return at Celtic Park.

Newcastle's new winger Anthony Elanga says it was "perfect timing" to make his £55m move from Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old Sweden international has been training with his new team-mates in their pre-season camp in Austria and will be available to make his first Magpies appearance in Saturday's friendly against Scottish champions Celtic in

Newcastle believe patience is required and, while they have already had to recalibrate after failing to secure top targets, the interim transfer team — driven by Andy Howe, the assistant head of recruitment and Eddie’s nephew, and Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment — are continuing to pursue multiple deals across several positions.

Nottingham Forest are preparing an audacious bid to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

In front of 10,000 away fans in Celtic Park, the Magpies were 2-0 down at half-time before Eddie Howe introduced new signing Anthony Elanga for his first appearance as one of nine half-time changes.