Soon to be fit centre-back is no longer on Liverpool's radar as Eddie Howe prepares to ask star to return
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman
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Liverpool are understood to have cooled their interest in injury-stricken Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman.
The Dutchman has been tracked by the Reds in recent seasons, but the former Ajax youngster's injury issues have resulted in the Premier League champions taking a look at other targets. Club Brugge's Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez is a youngster Newcastle have also checked out, but the Reds appear to be stepping up interest in the £43m star with Botman struggling for fitness.
As reported by Chronicle Live last year, Botman held talks with Eddie Howe and wanted assurances on first-team football.
The centre-back will be 26 later this month and knows he is reaching a crunch international stage after failing to pick up a senior Holland cap. However, he has not been seen in action since November during the 2-1 win over Man City due to a hamstring problem.
Newcastle have already confirmed on the record, through sporting director Ross Wilson, they would like to offer him a new deal. His current arrangement is scheduled to end in summer 2027.
Speaking about his happiness at Newcastle, Botman said last year: "In terms of name, Newcastle wasn’t the biggest club that wanted me - that was AC Milan.
"But Newcastle was the club that suited me best. The ambitions, the style of play, and playing in the Premier League. I’ve always made my own choices based on what seemed best for me at that moment.”
Kieran Trippier to be asked for one last dance at Newcastle
United look set to review Kieran Trippier's position later in January with Eddie Howe keen to retain his dressing room leader ahead of a make or break month.
Trippier is wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs and the winter trading period represents the last chance for the Magpies to cash in on the 35-year-old. But as Trippier edges closer to a return from a thigh injury, that has kept him out of 12 games, Howe wants to lean on his experience and guidance in a crunch few weeks.
Trippier has been back in training and is in contention to return to the squad against Crystal Palace or Leeds United in the next week. But the big night to keep an eye on is the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City for an occasion in which Howe will be desperate to gain an advantage going into the crucial second game at the Etihad Stadium.
The former England star was crucial to Newcastle last season as they stormed to Wembley for the final showpiece and then beat Liverpool 2-1. Trippier's absence has coincided with a mixed bag of form for Newcastle, with that sequence including a derby defeat to Sunderland and the loss at Man United, plus the Champions League loss in Marseille.
Trippier could be asked to stay for one last dance in a scenario that has some similarities to 12 months ago, when wantaway goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was retained to help United in their hour of need.
Although, as previously reported here on the Saturday morning notebook, Trippier currently has no conditions in his contract for an extension to be triggered.
Youngster heads out on loan
Newcastle United have sanctioned a loan deal for youth team striker Joe Brayson.
The son of ex-Toon striker Paul Brayson has joined Morpeth Town on a short-term deal to gain experience at senior level.
A Newcastle statement read: "The 18-year-old striker, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club last summer, will link up with the Highwaymen, who ply their trade in the Northern Premier League Premier Division for a 28-day loan as he looks set for a first taste in senior football.
"Brayson, son of former Magpies striker Paul, has netted three goals at youth level so far this season and was on target during Newcastle's UEFA Youth League clash against Benfica in October.
"Everyone at the club would like to wish Joe the best of luck in his loan spell at Craik Park."
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