Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe may give £42m summer signing Bazoumana Toure his debut when the Magpies face Gateshead in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. The Tyne-Wear derby clash sees Premier League Newcastle travel to the National League side, who finished 18th last season with 50 points from 46 games, 58 points behind leaders York City.
Could Bazoumana Toure make his Newcastle debut?
The Ivory Coast international only joined from Hoffenheim this week but could feature on the left wing. Howe has used a mixed approach in pre-season, fielding first-team stars in the first half before switching to youth players. Toure trained with his new teammates on Friday and could start against Gateshead.
Newcastle's predicted lineup for Gateshead clash
Howe is expected to name a strong starting XI, similar to the side that began against Darlington. Nick Pope should keep his place in goal, while young defenders Leo Shahar and Alex Murphy may continue at the back. Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy could make way if Toure starts.
What's next for Newcastle in the transfer window?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness predicts this could be Newcastle's busiest week of the summer window. The Magpies have already signed Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba and are working on more deals. With Gateshead struggling last season, losing their last four games, Newcastle will see this as a good test before tougher pre-season fixtures.
