Category: Sports News

Ryan Fraser scored on his debut to help Newcastle beat Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

Fraser latched on to a clever Miguel Almiron through ball and slotted home midway through the first half.

Blackburn dominated possession throughout but lacked the cutting edge to prise open a stubborn Newcastle defence.

Steve Bruce’s side hung on to earn a trip to Morecambe in the third round next week.

The hosts made 10 changes from the side that confidently beat West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday and it showed in a disjointed performance.

Indeed, it was often Blackburn who looked the more impressive with their slick passing and clever interplay.

But Newcastle had the crucial goalscoring quality in the shape of summer signing Fraser.

The former Bournemouth man was otherwise quiet but he gave an indication of what he can do with a composed finish.

“The only bit of quality we showed all night was the goal,” said Bruce. “It was a great ball, a great run and Ryan stuck it in well.

“Considering he hasn’t played since March, his effort, endeavour and enthusiasm was there for everybody to see.”

Joelinton had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half but otherwise Newcastle’s second string rarely threatened Thomas Kaminski’s goal.

However, Newcastle fans will not mind and will be excited at the prospect of Fraser linking up again with Callum Wilson as the Magpies host Brighton in the league on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur are in negotiations with Real Madrid over a sensational return to north London for
Gareth Bale – with conflicting reports suggesting a loan deal could be in the offing, as well as a swap deal involving Dele Alli.

The possibility of Bale departing the Spanish capital is now stronger than ever, with Manchester United also holding an interest in the alienated Welsh winger. Tottenham, however, appear the favourites for their former superstar.

According to reports, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is doing everything he can to bring Bale back to the club, and one interesting proposal which has emerged is Dele joining Real on loan as part of the deal.

The complicated move would see Bale return to north London on a temporary basis – with Los Blancos paying half of his reported £600,000-a-week wage – while Dele’s wages would also be financed by the Spanish club.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein, meanwhile, reports that while no agreement is in place for Bale to rejoin Tottenham this summer, the Lilywhites are working on a deal.

Spurs have a special place in the 31-year-old’s heart and the player is said to be keen on an incredible return. His agent Jonathan Barnett, who is well known for speaking our about his client’s future, has even told BBC Wales, “Gareth still loves Spurs. We are talking [Spurs, Real and Bale’s camp]. It’s where he wants to be.”

Levy is understood to be ‘obsessed’ by the idea of bringing a modern-day legend back to the club, but wanted to be sure that José Mourinho was on board with such a huge signing before pursuing a deal.

The Welshman’s willingness to depart on a temporary basis – something he previously refused – this summer has handed Tottenham a chance to oversee the winger’s return.

Bale also feels that now is the right time to exit Madrid and play out the final years of his career in the Premier League, leaving behind the non-stop criticism he’s faced in Spain amid an injury-ravaged but still impressive spell in the Spanish capital.

The 31-year-old evolved into a Spurs icon – before his £85m move to Real in 2013 – off the back of an astonishing 2012/13 campaign which earned him PFA Player of the Year honours. The Welshman scored 56 times and added another 58 assists in 203 appearances for Spurs, spread over a six-year spell.

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The 25-year-old England playmaker had been linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer but announced he is staying on the club’s social media.

Grealish has been with his hometown club since he was eight-years-old, making his debut in the 2013-14 season.

“It is my club, my home and I am very happy here,” Grealish said after agreeing the new contract on Tuesday.

The attacking midfielder, who made his first appearance for England against Denmark last week, has signed a contract until 2025.

“We are determined to build a top team around him and are delighted he is extending his contract and committing himself to the club he loves,” Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said.

Villa begin their Premier League campaign at home to Sheffield United on Monday after Grealish played a key role in the club retaining its place in the top flight last season.

He made 36 league appearances during 2019-20, scoring eight goals including in the 1-1 draw against West Ham United which secured Premier League survival on the final day of the elongated season.