Ex-Chelsea star to ‘snub’ transfer to Newcastle and Arsenal as Bristol Rovers boss draws comparisons between Diego Maradona and Elliot Anderson

Newcastle United have been linked with two extraordinary summer transfer bids.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Here, we round-up all the latest stories that have emerged today surrounding Newcastle United:

Anderson’s Maradona comparisons

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has drawn comparisons between Elliot Anderson and Diego Maradona after the youngster scored yet again for Rovers last night.

Eden Hazard will reportedly snub moves to Newcastle United and Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)Eden Hazard will reportedly snub moves to Newcastle United and Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Eden Hazard will reportedly snub moves to Newcastle United and Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Anderson now has three goals for Rovers and Barton believes he is a ‘huge talent’:

“I’ve been listening to Bill Shankly tapes a lot today,” Baron told BristolLive. “He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. [He is] such a talent.”

“Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight – he was that good. He is growing into the shirt and his goal capped an outstanding performance.

“Elliot is a huge talent. He excites you and tonight he showed a different gear to be the stand-out player on the pitch.”

Atletico goalkeeper on radar?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Newcastle United have been linked with launching an extraordinary bid for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak this summer.

Oblak was voted La Liga Player of the Season last year and is widely-regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in world football.

The Slovenian’s contract in Madrid expires at the end of next season and although there is little to suggest Oblak’s future is away from Atletico, Goal report that Newcastle may look to tempt the 29-year-old to England.

Oblak has previously expressed his belief that he is suited to Premier League football, telling BBC Sport in April 2021: "The Premier League has strong teams, maybe the strongest, I don't know what the future will bring, but I am sure that in any league I would play in I could play well.”

Hazard’s double PL snub

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Eden Hazard will reportedly snub moves to both Arsenal and Newcastle United this summer, despite only being a peripheral figure at the Bernabeu Stadium this season.

Newcastle have held long-standing interest in Hazard but, according to Foot Mercato, it is Arsenal that have shown ‘concrete’ interest in the winger.

Hazard is reportedly open to a move back to England, however, it was believed that only a move back to Chelsea would interest the Belgian.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor