Newcastle United ‘eye’ 15-goal Arsenal striker as forgotten Magpies man handed international call-up

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

Newcastle United ‘considering’ move for Arsenal striker

According to reports from Caught Offside, Newcastle United are ‘considering’ a move for Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun. The 21-year-old has shone in France after failing to break into the Arsenal first-team, scoring 15 times in 25 league appearances this season.

Balogun, who is currently on-loan at the Ligue 1 outfit, spent the second half of last season at Middlesbrough and has seen his stock rise considerably after his move to France. According to the reports, Newcastle could move for the 21-year-old this summer if the Gunners fail to offer him regular first-team football upon his return from France.

Referee announced for Wolves clash

The Premier League have announced that Andy Madley will be the man in charge of Newcastle United’s clash with Wolves on Sunday. The last time Madley took charge of a game involving Newcastle came at the Emirates Stadium in January.

That game saw nine players receive bookings and Madley criticised by Mikel Arteta for not awarding the Gunners two penalties following a foul by Dan Burn and a perceived handball by Jacob Murphy. Newcastle United have never won a Premier League game refereed by Madley - a record they will be hoping to change when Julen Lopetegui’s side come to St James’ Park at the weekend.

Brazil boss offers Joelinton ‘hope’

Both Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have been left out of Brazil’s squad for their upcoming friendly match against Morocco. Despite this latest omission, Brazil’s interim boss Ramon Menezes has revealed that Joelinton is someone they are ‘watching’ over a potential future call-up.

Menezes said: “Joelinton’s a great player, and can fit in as a defensive midfielder, (or) midfielder. He’s a strong player who we’re watching, and who can wear the shirt of the national team at any time.”

Elsewhere, Jamal Lewis has received a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad, despite featuring just three times for the Magpies this season. Lewis’ last appearance for Newcastle came at Hillsborough in their 2-1 FA Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday. The 25-year-old has been capped 23 times by his country.