Newcastle United are now reportedly racing Manchester City to sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth in 2026.
Howe challenges Newcastle to rescue Carabao Cup defence
For all their chances at the other end, there was a feeling around St James’ Park that Rayan Cherki’s late goal signalled the end of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup defence.
The Magpies pushed and pushed for an equaliser and eventually paid the price when Man City netted their second goal of the evening to add an unexpected cushion to a tough away trip.
Those in Tyneside will now have the task of travelling to the Etihad to attempt what seems an unlikely comeback. From 2-0 down, the Magpies must pull off the ultimate shock at one of the Premier League‘s toughest grounds. Whilst the extent of the task is there for all to see, however, Eddie Howe is still full of belief.
He told reporters: “We’re still alive, we’re still in there fighting, although it is very difficult to turn it around. It’s still possible and football can conjure up some magical moments.
“Last year, we were on the other side of this scoreline. We went to Arsenal and won 2-0 and we felt that game was still very much alive, it was all about the next goal in the tie. I think that’s going to be the case in this one – if we can get the next goal, we’re still very much in it.
“We saw enough today to think we can be competitive, and we weren’t at our absolute best physically. But I still think we caused them problems, so we’re going to have to go with that same mindset again.”
It’s not just on the pitch that the Tyneside club are hoping to upset Man City, either. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are also battling to sign Alex Scott alongside Man City and two other Premier League sides.
Newcastle battling to sign Alex Scott
The Bournemouth midfielder has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa to spark a four-team Premier League race for his signature.
Following the big-money departure of Antoine Semenyo, Scott could be the next impressive star to leave the Vitality Stadium when the summer arrives. Whether it’s Newcastle who are welcoming him with open arms remains to be seen, however.
Since Como scout Ben Mattinson described him as “exciting” and “combative”, the £40,000-a-week star has become an England international and turned into a crucial player for Andoni Iraola on the South Coast.
At 22 years old, the former Bristol City man is likely to get even better with more experience and that’s why it’s imperative that Newcastle make their move as soon as possible before his value soars.