Newcastle United

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BBC Sport readers have been sending their well wishes to former Newcastle United forward and manager Kevin Keegan, who has revealed he has stage four cancer.

Keegan's family originally disclosed he had cancer in January, after the 75-year-old had "further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms" in hospital.

The football world has since rallied around the two-time European footballer of the year, who is having treatment.

Newcastle also published a statement, sending their "heartfelt support" and "warmest wishes" to Keegan and his family following his diagnosis.

Here are some of the messages to the St James' Park icon:

Dave: The only British player to win the Ballon d'Or twice and also a legend at every club he has played for. He has always come across as a genuine and lovely guy. There can be few people, if any at all, who don't like him! I hope he reads all of the great comments people have made so that he knows how highly he is regarded.

Cheric: I'm a Liverpool fan and I met Kevin Keegan when I'd travelled overnight to see Norwich play Liverpool. I was about 16 years old at the time. Kevin and Peter Cormack saw me and a mate early in the morning and they asked if we'd had breakfast. We said no, so Kevin offered us money to go and get something to eat. We didn't accept it, but what a man. I've always loved him as a player and a manager. I pray that he beats the cancer.

Colby: An absolute hero of mine. An incredible player - try to find a video of his disallowed volley for Southampton. He would be worth £150m nowadays. He also managed the way we all would - it was full-on creative, attacking excitement. Love, KK.

Fordy: A footballer who had to graft so hard to get where he did. He wore his heart on his sleeve, as a player and a manager. Any true lover of football would know of his ability. I saw one of his best goals at Southampton, a mid-air volley from the edge of the penalty area which flew into the top corner. Sadly, he was fractionally offside so it didn't count. A great player. Sending you all of our thoughts, Kev.

Paul: What a man! He has a fighting chance, so let us all rally around him. I remember when he signed for Newcastle in 1982, when he was still a top-tier player. He saw something in Newcastle and he knew he could wake the sleeping giant. He is a living legend. Thanks for all you have done, KK.

Tony: Best wishes, Kevin. If you're reading this, I still have the birthday card you signed for me in 1983. I was there at your first game as Newcastle manager, when the whole of St James' Park felt something special was beginning. You have given me some fantastic memories of my club. If anybody can beat this, it is you, mighty mouse!

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We asked for your memories of James Milner's early years at Leeds and Newcastle and his best moments, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave, a Newcastle fan: Best memory was him scoring an absolute worldie against Manchester United under Glenn Roeder. Milner always grafted for the shirt.

Uzay, a Magpies fan: He was a great player and the Premier League shall miss such an important figure.

Robert, a Leeds fan: Top pro, always gave 100% in effort and commitment, both on and off the field. No club could ask for more from a player. Best of luck to him for his future, in whatever he chooses to do next.

Dave, a Whites fan: If Peter Ridsdale had not ruined LUFC in 2002, and eventually sent them into administration in 2004 causing the sale of all the top player, heaven knows how long Milner would have stayed with them with him being a Leeds boy.

James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.

He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.

He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.

Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).

Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.

His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.

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Former Newcastle United midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.

The 40-year-old, who joined the Magpies on a five-year deal from Leeds United in July 2004, played for six different teams in England's top flight.

After making his Premier League debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.

Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.

He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.

"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, team-mates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.

"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in a Newcastle shirt as a youngster, and what are your favourite memories?

Get in touch with your comments here

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao with the 26-year-old keen to leave San Siro this summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Last summer was a turbulent one for Newcastle, particularly without an executive structure in place.

However, boss Eddie Howe believed the club would be in a position to make smarter and quicker decisions - in and out - following the appointments of sporting director Ross Wilson and chief executive David Hopkinson earlier this season.

Gordon's situation felt the first real test.

It was clear the forward was the likeliest of Newcastle's key players to depart after he was left on the bench for each of the final four games of the season.

But would this turn into a situation which played out in public and dragged on like the Alexander Isak saga to Liverpool last summer? Not at all.

Progress on this particular transfer moved quickly in private.

Barcelona had a prior interest, but the club's formal talks with Newcastle only emerged publicly on Wednesday morning. By the evening, an agreement had been reached.

It feels like a rare big-money transfer where all three parties end up being relatively satisfied.

Barcelona land a top target before the window even formally opens, while Newcastle secure their second biggest ever transfer fee, and Gordon gets a dream move.

Newcastle ideally do not want to lose key players like Gordon, but the club simply have to get better at becoming more strategic traders and recognising when is the right time to sell.

Given the impressive Champions League campaign Gordon enjoyed, it felt like the opportune moment.

Newcastle are still likely to do further trading this summer as part of an extensive rebuild, but this first key sale feels significant in enabling the club to reinvest.

Factoring in potential departures, they could end up being in the market for a goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder and multiple forwards this summer.

Newcastle did not quite get it right when they brought in a similar number of players last year after losing out on some ambitious top targets.

So this window has to be different if the club are to bounce back following a disappointing 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

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Anthony Gordon spent three and a half years with Newcastle after joining from Everton in January 2023, making 152 appearances, and was their top scorer this season with 17 goals.

"I owe this club a lot because, when I arrived, I was quite lost both in life and in football," he told the club's website as his £69.3m transfer to Barcelona was confirmed on Friday.

"The club has given me a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. It's allowed me to do what I always thought I could do. It's put me on the biggest stage and allowed me to perform for the shirt.

"It was really important for me to leave this place in a good way because I've loved every single minute of being a part of Newcastle United.

"This is an incredible club and one that I'll never forget. I'll be a fan for the rest of my life."

Newcastle were in a strong position to command a premium for Gordon as he still had four years left to run on his contract at St James' Park.

He was left on the bench for the final four Premier League games of the campaign by head coach Eddie Howe, but fans briefly sang his name following their 2-0 defeat at Fulham on the last day.

"While we're disappointed to lose Anthony, we understand that this is a big opportunity for him," said Howe.

"He leaves with our best wishes, and I am confident that he will go on to be a success, both with Barcelona and the national team at this year's World Cup."

Everton are in line to receive 15% of the profit Newcastle make on Gordon after selling the academy graduate in a deal worth up to £45m.

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We asked for your views on which players Newcastle should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

George: I would take Jarrod Bowen in a heartbeat and El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham would be really good for squad depth for seasons to come. He could be sold for a good amount of profit if we needed the finances too.

Matt: Bowen would be ideal, but only at the right price. At his age there would be little to no resale value, so you're probably talking £30-35m max.

Mark: The obvious player would be Bowen. It was annoying we missed out on him all those years ago under Steve Bruce. Zian Flemming [Burnley] looks a good player.

Andrew: We need to be pushing for Bowen. Our right side of our attack has been weak for a long, long time and Bowen would add balance, experience and quality.

Arun: Kyle Walker [Burnley] would be a solid signing as he brings experience with Kieran Trippier leaving and he still has the pace required to compete in the Premier League.

Matt: Diouf from West Ham to back up Lewis Hall would be good, but probably too expensive. Expect Mateus Fernandes to go to a big club. Bowen would be perfect if younger. Hugo Bueno from Wolves if cheap and Mateus Mane.

Ollie: It has to be Bowen. What a player who would fit in so well at Newcastle. Plays for the team, great endurance and great intensity. Would love to see him on the teamsheet next season.

Ian: One player that has really impressed me is Taty Castellanos from West Ham. He is too good for the Championship. Buy him now, maybe we can get a good price.

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The most significant moment of the season - good or bad - was...

The capitulation at the Nou Camp in March. Newcastle competed admirably in the opening 45 minutes against Barcelona, having previously come within seconds of a famous victory in the first leg of this Champions League last-16 tie at St James' Park. But what unfolded in the second half in Spain put a completely different complexion on it and left Eddie Howe's side with some lasting scars after a 7-2 hammering.

The season has been a success or failure because...

Newcastle missed out on qualifying for Europe in a campaign where there were a whopping eight spots up for grabs. The Magpies reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and a third League Cup semi-final in four years, but they lost far too many games domestically, so it has to be described as a failure.

The unsung hero of the season is....

Harvey Barnes. That may seem a strange choice - Barnes is Newcastle's second-highest top scorer in all competitions this season - but the forward does not always get the headlines. He has popped up with some important contributions throughout the campaign.

If there's a player or staff member with more to do in future it is...

Yoane Wissa. The striker has bagged just three goals since completing a £55m move from Brentford. A serious knee injury hardly helped him, following a disrupted pre-season, but there have been too few glimpses of the goalscorer who shone elsewhere last season.

The major club issue or talking point lurking is...

The huge rebuild this summer. After such a turbulent window last year, can Newcastle get it right this time around without the wages of the league's highest-earning clubs and any European football whatsoever? They certainly have to after this bruising season.

The reason for hope going forward is….

Newcastle finally have a stable executive structure in place following the appointments of chief executive David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson. Whether it is the forthcoming transfer window or progress on major infrastructure projects, the pair have to ensure the club quickly gets back on track.

Matty Renton
Fan contributor

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Dear Kieran,

First and foremost, an enormous thank you is in order.

Thank you for being the first to believe in the black and white project. Our first signing under the new ownership and one of the most important of our entire history.

The legacy you are leaving will never be forgotten.

The word legend gets thrown around a lot these days, but that's an understatement for you.

A real leader on and off the pitch. A talisman who brought silverware back to the toon after a long, treacherous 70-year wait.

Hope to see you back in Newcastle one day, whether that's as a manager, a coach or a fan, you're always welcome.

I promise you'll never have to buy a pint in this city again!

I'm sure I speak for all of the fanbase in wishing you the best of luck in your next move and, once again, thank you for the memories.

Howay the lads.

All the best,

Matty

Find more from Matty Renton at The Magpie Channel, external

The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views after Barcelona agreed a deal to sign Anthony Gordon for a fee worth over £69m and whether you believe it is a good deal for Newcastle United.

Here are some of your comments:

Leslie: Good luck to Anthony. He has had a good three years for us. Not done an Isak. Can leave with his head held high. It's a good price and we can bring in a couple of good players for that money. Mixed up with some of the good young lads and only one game a week. The future is bright. It's black and white!

Craig: Selling Anthony Gordon to Barca for a decent profit is a good thing compared with selling to the Premier League big six.

Ben: I'm absolutely delighted Gordon is moving on. Take penalties from his output and he's been bang average for two seasons. He works hard and he's fast, but I can't remember the last time he took on a man and his ball striking is mediocre at best. We need to reinvest wisely in young players who will grow with the club. Gordon thinks he's better than the Toon, but I think he'll find out he's not good enough for Barcelona.

Nat: This is a great deal for so many reasons. It's a good fee, it's early business (learning from the Isak saga) and I'd rather get in a player who really wants to play for us. I'd also say he's only really had one very good season for us. He's had 17 cumulative goals and assists this season, which sounds good on paper until you see how many of them were from penalties or against poor European teams. I like the guy and wish him well. He's leaving in the right way (unlike some). Thanks for everything but I think this is a good deal for all parties.

Gareth: This season Gordon has been dreadful and it's been obvious he wanted away so it's a good deal for Newcastle.

Eric: Because we can't offer European football next season, our better players will want to leave. It's good to get the business done early - hopefully, we've already identified targets to bring in. And at least Gordon can't come back to haunt us in the Premier League next season. If players don't want to play for the club, move them on ASAP.

Owen: Gutted. Thought if he went, he'd go for a higher value. Can't blame him but I do have faith in Eddie Howe and hope he is given the players he asks for. Good luck to Gordon - he's been great for us, but I would've liked to see him stay and improve both himself and our team.

John: Nice to get it done early, but feels like we should have held out for another £10m, given the market and Everton's sell-on-profit clause. Not terribly sad to see him go but the key this summer is using our money wisely rather than wasting and overpaying.

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Newcastle United will face Everton in a pre-season friendly at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday, 12 August (kick-off 17:15 BST).

The fixture will be an opportunity for both teams to step up their preparations just before the 2026-27 Premier League season starts on Saturday, 22 August.

It is set to be the first summer friendly between the two sides since the Barcelona Cup final in 1924, when the Toffees triumphed.

In addition, it will be Newcastle and Everton's first visit to the 101-year-old venue, which is in the heart of the Scottish capital and has a capacity of 67,144.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: "An exciting test against Premier League opposition at a historic venue will play an important part in our pre-season preparations.

"I'm sure our fans will bring a special atmosphere to Edinburgh, giving the players a massive lift as we build towards the new campaign."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "Pre-season is an important period for the players and the staff - so a fixture like this, in one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, will help us continue building.

"This fixture gives Evertonians the chance to come together, enjoy the occasion and get behind the team in what should be a really good day."

Anthony Gordon's time on Tyneside is running out, with a deal agreed for the Newcastle forward to join Barcelona.

Across four campaigns for the Magpies, the 25-year-old has featured in 111 Premier League games and had 41 goal involvements in the top flight.

Former defender John Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I am sure the player himself will want his future sorted out before he goes to the World Cup.

"Everybody accepted towards the back end of the season that he was going to go, even though he has four years left on his contract.

"To be fair to the manager, he probably knew he was going to go anyway."

Although Gordon was available to feature in the final four games of the season, Eddie Howe kept the forward on the bench.

Anderson added: "He hasn't done what Alexander Isak has done, but he has obviously let people in high places know that he wants to go."

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Oscar Mingueza wants a Premier League move this summer, with Newcastle United among the clubs tracking the 227-year-old Celta Vigo and Spain defender, who is set to become a free agent. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Barcelona have agreed a deal worth more than £69m with Newcastle United for England forward Anthony Gordon.

BBC Sport previously reported the clubs were in advanced talks as they looked to agree a fee.

These had been described as positive and a deal has now been struck worth in excess of 80m euros (£69.3m).

Gordon will now finalise the formalities of his move before he flies out with his England team-mates to the United States for a training camp before the World Cup.

Is this a good deal for the Magpies?

Get in touch with your views here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle have to get this summer right following a turbulent window a year ago.

The club missed out on a host of first-choice targets; the majority of signings arrived too late; there was no chief executive or sporting director in place; and they ultimately buckled and sold Alexander Isak on deadline day after previously holding firm for so long.

Clubs such as Brentford and Bournemouth have rebuilt smartly after selling key players, but Newcastle have not seen enough of a return from a £100m-plus net recruitment drive that Howe was heavily involved in last summer.

Only defender Malick Thiaw has been an unqualified success.

Because of the relentless schedule between September and March, such signings have mainly relied on analysis sessions rather than physical work to adapt to the intensity, detail and structure of life under Howe.

Jacob Ramsey only had a brief window into Howe's sessions before the fixtures piled up and the midfielder was understood to have found the level of high-intensity running within the drills a jolt at first after being used to a more relaxed way of training, even under the demanding Unai Emery at Aston Villa.

It was a snapshot of the adjustment period so many new signings go through before they find their feet at Newcastle.

Eddie Howe hopes last summer's arrivals will be better for the experience as Newcastle look to reverse a trend moving forward.

Although the head coach has outperformed teams with bigger wage bills in years gone by, his side ended up floundering in the bottom half this time around.

Unlike bitter rivals Sunderland, who beat Newcastle home and away, Howe's men failed to qualify for Europe in a season where eight qualification spots were up for grabs.

Such a boom-bust cycle is unsustainable, but Howe previously thrived when he had had the luxury of extended clear periods to prepare for Premier League games throughout the season.

He has to again.

"Every experience makes you stronger and makes you appreciate the good times," the head coach added. "We will all try and come back a better team."

Read more on Newcastle's big summer