Newcastle United the 'most likely destination' for ex-academy star as pundit warns Steve Bruce off signing midfielder

But that doesn’t mean to say it’ll be quiet around St James’s Park, especially now the transfer window is open.

Here, we take you through the latest news and rumours surrounding the club today:

Newcastle warned off signing Leicester City star

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has questioned Newcastle United’s interest in Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, believing he is too similar to Jeff Hendrick.

Steve Bruce attempted to sign the 23-year-old on loan in January but a move stalled when The Foxes failed to find a suitable replacement.

Choudhury, however, is expected to be available this summer due to the imminent arrival of former Toon target Boubakary Soumare from Lille.

There have been suggestions Bruce will revive his interest in the former England under-21s star – but Robinson believes it’d be an uninspiring recruit.

He told Football Insider: “He is not a signing that would excite me as a Newcastle fan.

“I think he is a good player but he has not played enough football for Leicester really. If he is not getting the Leicester side you start to question why Newcastle would want to sign him.

“They need to progress and move on now and I’m not sure Choudhury is a player who could help them do that. I want to see Newcastle go for the next bracket up of player.

“Choudhury is a solid midfielder and he has a great engine but he is very similar to Jeff Hendrick.

“It is definitely time for him to leave Leicester though. He is at that stage of his career where he needs to play regular football."

Toon in ‘pole position’ to re-sign academy graduate

Newcastle are in pole position to re-sign Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers this summer, according to Football League World.

The Magpies sold their academy graduate to Rovers three years ago for just £1.75million but inserted a sizeable sell-on clause.

Armstrong’s form accelerated last season when he finished as the Championship’s second top goalscorer with 28 goals – which has reportedly prompted Premier League interest.

Steve Bruce’s side are among those to be linked with the 24-year-old striker – albeit very briefly. And as reported by the football website, a return to his boyhood club is his most likely destination.

Under-21s to compete in Papa John’s Trophy

Newcastle have confirmed the club’s youngsters will participate in next season’s Papa John’s Trophy.

An under-21s side will be assembled by Chris Hogg and Peter Ramage as they aim to go one step further and make it out of the group this time around.

United advanced to the last 16 stage during the 2018/19 campaign before being beaten by local rivals Sunderland, the current holders of the competition, at the Stadium of Light.

The group games will take place across August, November and October, with the Wembley final scheduled for Sunday, April 3, 2022.