Newcastle United latest: Including Cabaye and Krul

Follow us on Google Discover

A round-up of news and views relating to Newcastle United.

Ryan Taylor could be set to miss all of next season after a recurrence of the cruciate knee injury that has kept him out of action for the last eight months. Taylor underwent surgery after being injured last August, and was thought to be close to a return.

After the 3-0 loss in the Tyne-Wear derby at the weekend Alan Pardew has challenged his team to prove they are better than Sunderland next season:

“Next year we have to prove that we’re a bigger and better club.

“That’s in terms of our Premier League position by finishing well above them [Sunderland]. That’s what we are going to try to do next year.”

Rob Elliott is winning the battle to be fit in time for Newcastle’s match with West Brom this weekend. The keeper injured his ankle after coming on against Sunderland last Sunday, but has returned to training and should be ready for Saturday’s match at the Hawthorns.

Massadio Haidara has said he is delighted to have made such a swift return to action after the injury inflicted by Calum McManaman, and believes that he is now stronger than ever. The French defender also said that Newcastle had to beat West Brom after the disappointing loss to Sunderland.

AC Milan are reportedly targeting Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.The Dutch keeper is rumoured to be valued at around £12million having impressed during his time at St James’ Park, and the Italian side see him as the ideal replacement for club stalwart Christian Abbiati.

In other transfer news, there has been speculation Newcastle will offer Liverpool £7million for former striker Andy Carroll this summer. Liverpool are keen to recoup as much of the £35million they paid for Carroll as possible, but might be forced into a cut price deal.

Yohan Cabaye is apparently a summer target for PSG, whose sporting director Leonardo has said that he wants to bring some great French players back to France. PSG might be set for a triple raid on England this summer, with Samir Nasri and Wayne Rooney also rumoured to be targets.

The Newcastle fan who punched a horse after the derby loss has said he was acting in self-defence, and that he regretted the incident. Barry Rogerson, 45, said the horse had bolted towards him and he was trying to fend it away.