Howe defends Pope
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Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs scouting Toulouse keeper Guillaume Restes as questions around their long-term planning continue.
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Nick Pope & Anthony Gordon dropped, £55m man in? Newcastle United’s best XI
Woltemade has been very good since his move to the club and without his goal contributions, Newcastle United could have been in a real spot of bother. He deserves to be in the best XI for his talents alone, but may not take up a role as the striker once everyone is fit and available.
Whether Newcastle test the waters despite Roma's stance is the big question. Kone would certainly be worth the chase. The Frenchman was dubbed "composed" by Como scout Ben Mattinson ahead of arriving in Serie A in the summer and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.
Eddie Howe is hopeful Anthony Gordon, Nick Pope and Tino Livramento can return as Newcastle face Manchester City.