We bring you the latest news from Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
1) Cheick Tiote attracting interest
Cheick Tiote is attracting interest from a duo of clubs this summer and Newcastle United are facing a fight to keep him.
The Ivorian midfield enforcer has reportedly become a transfer target of Lokomotiv Moscow and Arsenal, with both clubs’ ability to offer European football being particularly appealing.
Newcastle are understood to be keen on keeping Tiote, but if a sizable bid does come in their determination could be tested.
2) Will Buckley responds to Sami Hyypia criticism
New Sunderland signing William Buckley has responded to criticism from his former Brighton manager Sami Hyypia.
The Seagulls boss had accused the winger of not being fully focused when back on the south-coast, after hearing of Premier League interest way back in January.
And Buckley, rather than responding angrily, has agreed that his head was turned when Sunderland came in for him – admitting the last seven months have been somewhat of a struggle.
“I wanted to play in the Premier League and when Gus showed interest, obviously it turned my head straightaway,” he said.
“It was really close in January and it went right to the last day.
“I tried not to think about moving on because you can’t do that when you are playing week-in and week-out.
“But at the end of the day it probably does affect you because it is in the back of your mind.
“I tried to carry on as though I was going to be at Brighton for a long time, because I was under contract.”
3) Van Aanholt issues Manchester United warning
Patrick Van Aanholt has issued a warning to his Sunderland teammates not to believe they have the beating of Manchester United just because their season has started poorly.
United surprisingly lost to Swansea City in the opening game of the Premier League this week, but Van Aanholt believes that confidence will still be high at Old Trafford and that Louis van Gaal’s side will offer a considerable challenge when they face off against them on Sunday.
“They lost the first game but it doesn’t mean that they will have no confidence because they had a good pre-season,” the Chelsea loanee said.
“I know the manager very well from being the national team manager for Holland last season. I know how he does things and he will put a team out that wants to win and get the three points.
“He will train them hard this week. I know he hates losing – I think everybody does – so I think he will have the team ready and be ready for a fight on Sunday.”
4) Middlesbrough to wait on Patrick Bamford
All the paperwork is in place for Patrick Bamford to move to Middlesbrough, but the club still do not know whether they will be able to sign him.
The Chelsea man has agreed a loan move to the North-East in principle, but is still contemplating whether to make the switch to the Championship club or not.
The young striker is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge and has had to discuss the role that he will have in Aitor Karanka’s side, with Lee Tomlin and Kike forming a good partnership for ‘Boro already.
Following the meeting with the Spanish boss, Bamford has returned to Chelsea and is mulling over the switch, which will now not be completed before the weekend.
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