Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has officially been credited with his side's second goal in Sunday's 2-0 EFL Cup final win against Newcastle United.

The goal, which arrived six minutes after Casemiro had opened the scoring at Wembley, was announced at the time as a Sven Botman own goal.

Rashford's shot took a deflection off Newcastle defender Botman and looped over goalkeeper Loris Karius.

However, both United and the competition organisers confirmed on Monday that Rashford was indeed the goalscorer.

That means the in-form England international finishes as the 2022-23 EFL Cup's top scorer with six goals, having found the net in every round United played in.

He now has 25 goals in 38 games for United this season – only Kylian Mbappe (29) and Erling Haaland (33) have scored more among players from Europe's top five leagues.

Rashford's latest strike helped propel United to their first trophy under Erik ten Hag and their first of any sort since 2017 when they won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho.

Wout Weghorst said Manchester United are "hungry for more" and are targeting a quadruple after lifting the EFL Cup.

The Red Devils beat Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley in Sunday's final, and are still in with a chance of winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.

After the triumph in the capital, Weghorst was in determined mood to collect more trophies before his loan spell from Burnley ends.

"We win the first one now and still have three to go, so hungry for more," he said. "It's three left now. First one is in and first we have to stand still and enjoy it. But afterwards of course three to go. We have everything in our own hands so let's go."

The Dutch striker has scored just once in 10 appearances for United since his January arrival, but played a key role against Newcastle, providing the pass to Marcus Rashford, whose shot deflected in off Sven Botman to make it 2-0.

"It's a great feeling," he said. "For me not being here too long but for the club it's a long time ago we won silverware. It's good to have it back at the place where it belongs, to me. It's an amazing club."

Weghorst also admitted he "took a moment" at the final whistle, adding: "I can do really tough or I can do really cool, but for me this is a childhood dream; a childhood dream to play for this amazing club, to play a final and also be important in this final with the second goal.

"To give my all and then at the end if you win it you have to enjoy it because during the match you're only focused on one thing and that’s winning it and that's performing. After which you have to take a minute otherwise everything is passing by before you even notice and before you've enjoyed it."

Speculation about Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool has re-ignited amid the Reds underwhelming campaign.

Liverpool appear destined for a last-16 Champions League exit after losing the first leg 5-2 at home to Real Madrid, while they are down in seventh in the Premier League.

The Reds are nine points outside the top-four league spots to earn Champions League qualification for next term.

TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL WILLING TO OFFLOAD SALAH

Mohamed Salah is willing to leave Liverpool if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League while the Reds are open to selling him, claims Fichajes.

Football Insider claims Paris Saint-Germain are keen on the Egyptian, who is contracted with Liverpool until mid-2025, and will bid €80 million (£70.6m) for his services.

Liverpool may be open to offers for Salah given their wealth of forward options as Jurgen Klopp looks to revamp his squad, with their intended pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, who is expected to cost more than €110m (£97m).

 

ROUND-UP

– Inter forward Lautaro Martinez is garnering interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, reports TEAMtalk. The 25-year-old Argentinian is contracted until mid-2026.

– Like Arsenal, Manchester United are weighing up a move for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, claims AS. The 20-year-old is believed to be priced around £26m (€30m).

– Fabrizio Romano reports Liverpool's Naby Keita may join Barcelona as a free agent at the end of this season, although he clarified "nothing is serious yet".

– Napoli will rival Liverpool in the race to sign Empoli's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi, claims Calciomercato.

– RMC Sport reports Paris Saint-Germain will not axe head coach Christophe Galtier before the end of the season, following reports of a move for Thomas Tuchel to replace him.

– Liverpool are considering a swap deal for Milan's Rafael Leao involving Luis Diaz, while PSG are in the race for the Portuguese's signature, according to Calciomercato.

David de Gea believes Manchester United can add more trophies to their EFL Cup success this season after swatting aside Newcastle United at Wembley.

Casemiro's header and a Sven Botman own goal saw Erik ten Hag's side break a six-year silverware drought with a 2-0 victory on Sunday.

De Gea, who broke fellow goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel's record for the most clean sheets at the club with his 181st shutout, added another medal to his United collection.

But with the club still competing for success in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League this season, the Spaniard is hopeful they can keep on winning.

"We are still in three competitions, and we have the chance to win more trophies," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I feel the mentality of the team is a winning one.

"I've been here a long time, so it means a lot for me. I'm emotional because it has been so long without a trophy. I'm happy here for the fans.

"We've been in a couple of finals [that] we lost, so we knew today we had to do it. We were against a difficult side, but I'm so proud of the team."

On passing Schmeichel's record, De Gea acknowledged he was thrilled by the achievement, though he stressed it was a combined effort.

"To win the final and break the record in the same day is unbelievable," De Gea said. "I love this team, so it's a great moment. People are having an impact from the bench too."

De Gea was just one of two players from Sunday's team, alongside Marcus Rashford, who featured in the matchday squad the last time United won the EFL Cup, against Southampton in 2017.

The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper said United would celebrate "the start of a new era" in ending their drought, telling Sky Sports: "The team is ready for everything.

"It is a great moment for us. Let's enjoy [it] and be ready again. We showed today we can win trophies. [We will] enjoy the moment but [we will] go again."

Erik ten Hag wants his Manchester United players to celebrate winning the EFL Cup, before targeting further success.

A header from Casemiro and a Sven Botman own goal in the first half gave United a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in Sunday's final at Wembley.

It brought an end to six years without a trophy for the club, and handed manager Ten Hag another sign of improvement since his arrival.

"You have to celebrate," he said at a post-match press conference, with the cup on display in front of him. "This is not a common day, [we] won a trophy.

"This trophy means something, that's the feeling I get in the UK. We have to celebrate but after that you have to keep going."

He added: "[We] know that it's worth [it] to invest, to suffer, to sacrifice, and to know that you have to give every day your best to [allow you to eventually] celebrate.

"It's about glory and honour and if you want to win something, you have to do it."

The win came just three days after United's victory against Barcelona in the Europa League playoff round, and Ten Hag was delighted with the energy his team showed so shortly after such a big performance.

"It's a massive performance that tells you we are fit, physically and mentally, we had energy. I think it was a great performance," he said.

Ten Hag left Ajax for United at the end of last season, and explained his "love" for the club led to him agreeing to join, before suggesting his players need to leave their own legacy over the next few years.

"Maybe it was a risk [to leave Ajax] but I am a little bit stubborn," he said. "I really love United, when I see the shirts, when I see the legacy of Alex Ferguson... this team needs to make its own legacy. When this opportunity came I thought this was the right team for me, I wanted to be part of it."

Club owner Avram Glazer was in attendance at Wembley and celebrated with Ten Hag and the players after the win.

"He was really happy for the club, as owner, he really wanted to be part of it," Ten Hag said. "You could see that when he was in the dressing room. It was good that he could be part of it."

Ten Hag then left the press conference, having to be reminded not to forget the trophy before he exited, joking that he would have to win more to replace it.

Manchester United's EFL Cup final win over Newcastle United is "just the beginning" for the Erik ten Hag era, says Red Devils full-back Luke Shaw.

Two goals in six first-half minutes helped United end a six-year wait for a trophy in Sunday's final, as Shaw's free-kick was nodded in by Casemiro before Marcus Rashford forced an own goal from Sven Botman. 

Ten Hag is now the first United boss to deliver major silverware since Jose Mourinho, and the Dutchman's rejuvenated side remain in contention to win a further three competitions this season.

With crucial fixtures in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup on the horizon, Shaw called on United's current crop to leave their mark on the club's illustrious history.

"It feels amazing. We said before that we want to create our own history here with the new team and the new manager, and I think [this] was the start of it," he told Sky Sports.

"I think the connection now is easy to see, we feel the love from the fans and we hope they feel the same from us. 

"We wanted to start with a trophy and this is just the beginning for us."

Fellow England international Rashford echoed Shaw's thoughts, calling for United to use Sunday's win as inspiration in their hunt for further silverware.

"It's massive for us to be involved in these games, it's something that we've missed as a club," Rashford said. "To come all this way and go on and win it, it's a massive feeling.

"Hopefully it pushes us to keep going now. The hunger is to have more moments like this. I've been in finals where we've won and where we've lost, and when you win it's massive for the club.

"It's part of our history at the club and we want to keep adding to that. I'm buzzing with the result.

"We want to be involved in a lot of games and staying in competitions. If we want to win things we have to keep pushing and keep going for everything."

United benefitted from another outstanding midfield performance from Casemiro at Wembley, while he became just the third Brazilian to net in an EFL Cup final with his header – after both Philippe Coutinho and Fernandinho did so in 2016.

Asked about Casemiro's impact, Rashford added: "He makes a huge difference with his leadership and experience in big games, it's huge for us. 

"When he's on the pitch you feel that sense of security behind you. I'm buzzing for him, for his first trophy for the club."

Erik ten Hag is convinced success can breed success at Manchester United after the Red Devils' trophy drought ended at Wembley.

Casemiro's header and an own goal from Sven Botman carried the Red Devils to a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in Sunday's EFL Cup final.

It gave the Mancunian giants a first major trophy since Jose Mourinho's side won the Europa League in 2017, and there could be more silverware to come in Ten Hag's debut season as manager.

They remain in the FA Cup and Europa League, and while a Premier League title push still seems unlikely, it is not entirely out of the question.

Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "First, you have to win the first one, and that is what we did today. I think you get a lot of inspiration from this, but also more confidence that we can do it.

"I think we are still in a start to restore Manchester United where it belongs and that is winning trophies and this is the first one."

He saluted the players that ended the club's barren run, saying: "They are really well connected with each other, they challenge each other as well. In the moment it's difficult, they help each other out. It's good to see, and I think it's the best a manager can get."

He suggested it would be the coaching team and staff celebrating long into the night, rather than the players, given United have an FA Cup game against West Ham on Wednesday.

While it was not a dazzling performance from the Dutchman's team, Ten Hag was more than content.

"We had again the right spirit, it's a very good spirit of the team. It was not always the best football, but I think it was effective," he said.

Pointing to the influence of senior figures, the former Ajax boss added: "I said before the game that Rapha Varane, Casemiro, David De Gea, they know how to win trophies.

"You need such lads on the pitch to point the team, to coach the team, to organise the team. Not only from a tactical perspective but also especially from a mental perspective, it's so important.

"The winning attitude, they have to bring it in the dressing room, they have to bring it in the team in difficult situations."

Eddie Howe could not hide his disappointment after Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in the EFL Cup final, but the Magpies boss was still "proud" of his players.

Two first-half goals at Wembley took the game away from Newcastle, with Casemiro heading in a Luke Shaw free-kick before Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford's shot over stand-in goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Newcastle had been hoping to win their first trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup, but had to look on as they lost to the same team and by the same score they had suffered in their last major final, the 1999 FA Cup.

"Naturally, I'm disappointed," Howe said at his post-match press conference. "I'm pleased with how we played. We were really good between both boxes but the penalty area is where games are won and lost. We weren't clinical enough.

"I've got no regrets with how we set up. We wanted to be brave as we have been all season; [we wanted to] have a go at Manchester United. It was a strange game, not much goalmouth action.

"I can't fault the players but the game was decided in big moments. We didn't defend the free-kick well enough."

Howe was pleased with the performance of his third-choice goalkeeper Karius, who came in with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.

"Karius did really well," he said about the German, who made seven saves. "His demeanour and distribution were good… he can be really proud of his efforts today."

Howe confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes, who came off with 12 minutes remaining, had twisted his ankle, adding that he did not think it was serious but would await further news.

Newcastle have gone four games without a win in all competitions (D2 L2), but Howe believes his team is playing well and is just missing the final finish, having scored just twice across those four games.

"I think the team's playing well, just maybe not as free-scoring as we were," he said. "It is the hardest challenge for any team. We had a lot of moments today where we could have opened them up and that's something we'll need to improve."

There was an impressive showing from Newcastle's fans, who made plenty of noise and supported their team throughout at Wembley.

"We felt nothing but support and love [from the fans]," Howe added. "It's so important that the players can play in a supportive environment. The scenes when we drove in [to the stadium] were exceptional, probably my words don't do it justice."

Bruno Fernandes set his sights on delivering more silverware after Manchester United's EFL Cup final win against Newcastle United, declaring one trophy is "not enough" for the Red Devils.

Casemiro's header and Sven Botman's own goal handed United their first trophy under Erik ten Hag on Sunday, as they kept Newcastle at bay at Wembley.

Coming five years and 278 days after their 2017 Europa League final victory against Ajax, United's win ended their longest trophy drought since a six-year wait between their 1977 and 1983 FA Cup triumphs.

United have also been touted as contenders to win the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup in Ten Hag's first season at the helm, and Fernandes wants more.

"It's an amazing feeling obviously, we've been searching for this moment – us, the players and the club, all together," the midfielder told Sky Sports.

"We finally got our trophy, I think deservedly. It's all about winning trophies, and finally we did it. I'm satisfied because finally I have a trophy, but I want more.

"It's been an amazing period obviously, it's the first trophy of the season… but we want more.

"This is not enough for this club. We want more and we need more, for our standards, we need more."

Sunday's win saw United lift the EFL Cup for the sixth time, a tally only bettered by rivals Liverpool (nine) and Manchester City (eight) in the competition's history.

Casemiro claimed victory in the battle of the Brazilian midfielders as Manchester United won their sixth EFL Cup with a 2-0 success against Newcastle United on Sunday.

On the way to Wembley, it felt like Newcastle fans significantly outnumbered United's, seemingly four out of every five people donning black and white striped shirts.

That feeling continued in the stadium, with almost every Newcastle fan in their seat waiting for kick-off with about 45 minutes to go, their black and white flags flying in anticipation of a momentous occasion, while big gaps remained in the United end just 10 minutes prior to the start, though it was full by kick-off.

On a cold day in London, fans of both teams hoped to be warmed by some samba magic, with United and Newcastle having two Brazilians each in the middle of the park.

United manager Erik ten Hag opted for Fred and Casemiro, while Magpies boss Eddie Howe went with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, with the latter back from suspension in time for the final.

 

Newcastle had not won any of the six games that Guimaraes had missed this season heading into Sunday's clash, and there was a renewed sense of optimism from the Geordie fans with their key man back.

However, a sloppy foul conceded by Guimaraes just after the half-hour mark gave United a chance to put a free-kick from the left, which Luke Shaw whipped in expertly for Casemiro to nod in.

Newcastle had actually started the game better, with only some poor execution in the final third preventing them from taking the lead, but their ruthless opponents struck first.

Casemiro became just the third Brazilian to score in an EFL Cup final after both Philippe Coutinho and Fernandinho did so in 2016 when Liverpool faced Manchester City.

It was also Casemiro's fourth goal in his last 12 games, one more than he had scored across his previous 89 matches.

The Magpies were caught napping again as Wout Weghorst was allowed to dribble to the edge of the penalty area before releasing Marcus Rashford, whose shot deflected off Sven Botman and over the helpless Loris Karius to make it 2-0.

Newcastle's third-choice goalkeeper was making his first competitive appearance in 728 days, having not played for anyone since his final outing of his loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin on February 28, 2021.

Selected following Nick Pope's red card against Karius' former team Liverpool, the German could not have done much about either goal, and was able to show off some of his ability before the break when he denied Weghorst from making it 3-0 by tipping the Dutch striker's shot from 20 yards over the crossbar.

Newcastle tried to fight back in the second half, with Howe bringing Alexander Isak on for Sean Longstaff, leaving Joelinton and Guimaraes as the sole two in midfield.

Fred very much played a supporting role to the dominant Casemiro, and was replaced by Marcel Sabitzer with just over 20 minutes remaining.

With 12 minutes to go, Guimaraes made way, noticeably limping after a couple of knocks during the game. The former Lyon man certainly did not disgrace himself, completing 45 of his 49 passes (91.8 per cent) and winning back possession 10 times.

Joelinton tried to revert to his former ways as a striker, having more than twice as many shots as any other Newcastle player (five), but it was ultimately in vain.

It was the experience of Casemiro that told on the big occasion, with the 31-year-old having won so many finals with Real Madrid – including five Champions League titles.

 

In truth, it was far from a vintage United performance, with Newcastle having 61 per cent possession and 14 shots inside the opposition box to their opponents' five, while they also had 37 touches in the opposing box compared to the Red Devils' 17 at the other end.

Ten Hag's men did enough to win the game, though, and that is all that counts in a final.

It was so near yet so far for Newcastle, who were competing in their first major final since they lost to United by the same score at the old Wembley in the 1999 FA Cup final.

They remain without a trophy of any calibre since the 1969 Fairs Cup, but the stark improvement shown under Howe this season suggests they should not have to wait many more years.

As for United, they brought an end to six years in the trophy wilderness, and had man of the match Casemiro largely to thank.

Had they managed to sign Frenkie de Jong or Adrien Rabiot prior to opting for the Brazilian last year, who knows what could have happened?

They won't spend a moment wondering about that now, with the Red Devils basking in the glow of a cup win once again.

Manchester United won their first trophy under Erik ten Hag as Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 in Sunday's EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Casemiro's opener came somewhat against the run of play as United started slowly, but the Red Devils assumed control before the break as Marcus Rashford's shot deflected in off the unfortunate Sven Botman.

Newcastle faded following a positive start as United kept them at arm's length, ensuring there was to be no end to the Magpies' 68-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

For United, a first trophy since 2017 validates Ten Hag's impact at Old Trafford, and with the Old Trafford outfit still competing in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, there could be more to come. 

David de Gea was tested at his near post by Allan Saint-Maximin as Newcastle started brightly, but United soon took charge with two goals in the space of six minutes. 

The first came when Casemiro nodded Luke Shaw's free-kick into the bottom-right corner after 33 minutes, with a VAR check adjudging the Brazilian to have remained onside. 

There was a hint of fortune about United's second as Rashford took Wout Weghorst's pass in his stride and saw a shot deflect off Botman, only for the ball to spin beyond stand-in Magpies goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Karius prevented further damage with a flying save from Weghorst's strike before the break, when Newcastle introduced club-record signing Alexander Isak in search of a response.

Joelinton saw efforts blocked by Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Newcastle threw men forward, before De Gea palmed away a dangerous cut-back from Kieran Trippier.

United went close to a third as first Rashford and then Bruno Fernandes forced Karius into smart stops, but it mattered little as the Red Devils stood firm.

What does it mean? Landmark moment for resurgent Red Devils

Ten Hag's revival of United's fortunes has been nothing short of spectacular, but the importance of capping their impressive displays with a piece of major silverware was not lost on anyone at Old Trafford.

United had not won a trophy since claiming an EFL Cup and Europa League double under Jose Mourinho in 2017. Having passed a stern test on Sunday, the Red Devils will hope they can at least replicate the achievements of that season with three trophies still to play for.

While Newcastle will fancy their chances of returning to this stage soon, there was to be no fairytale ending this time around as their record losing streak at Wembley stretched to nine games.

Casemiro the man for the big moment

While Casemiro has been credited with having a transformative effect on United's defensive efforts this term, the Brazil international put the Red Devils on the path to glory with a decisive contribution at the other end.

Casemiro has scored four goals in his last 12 games in all competitions, one more than he managed across his previous 89 matches at club level, while he is just the third Brazilian to net in an EFL Cup final – after both Philippe Coutinho and Fernandinho were on target in the 2016 showpiece.

Bad luck for Botman

Newcastle's Botman became just the fourth player to score an own goal in an EFL Cup final, following in the footsteps of Roger Kenyon (1977), Gordon Chisholm (1985) and Steven Gerrard (2005).

In truth, there was little the defender could have done to keep Rashford's strike out. The England forward was lively throughout at Wembley, creating a joint-high two chances for United as well as forcing Botman's own goal.

What's next?

United will bid to seal an FA Cup quarter-final place when they host West Ham on Wednesday. Newcastle, meanwhile, must turn their attentions back to the Premier League when they visit Manchester City on Saturday.

Marcus Rashford was passed fit to start for Manchester United in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.

Rashford had been a doubt for Sunday's game at Wembley after coming off in the 88th minute of Thursday's Europa League playoff-round victory against Barcelona with what appeared to be a slight injury concern.

However, the in-form forward, who has scored 24 goals in 37 games this season, was named in a forward line alongside Wout Weghorst and Antony, who came off the bench to score the winner against Barca at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian replaced Jadon Sancho in attack, with the only other change seeing Diogo Dalot come in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Callum Wilson returned to the starting line-up for Newcastle in place of Alexander Isak, with Loris Karius coming in for the suspended Nick Pope to make his competitive debut for the club.

Bruno Guimaraes was back from suspension, replacing Elliot Anderson in the only other change from last weekend's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, with Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron named either side of Wilson in attack for Eddie Howe's men.

Kieran Tripper does not understand why people are "kicking off" at Newcastle United's perceived time-wasting after Erik ten Hag called it "annoying".

The Manchester United manager made the comment ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup final meeting with Newcastle at Wembley, saying thee Magpies are an "annoying team to play against".

Eddie Howe's men have the ball in play for just 52.3 per cent of a match, the second lowest in the Premier League this season behind Leeds United.

But Howe's tactics are working as Newcastle are competing for European qualification while also having the chance to end a 54-year major trophy drought against the Red Devils.

Trippier is confused over the criticism his team is receiving, telling reporters: "I love it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

"But I have experienced it a lot in Spain. It's about knowing when to slow a game down. If the opposition are having more of the ball and are on top, of course you've got to kill the game. You're not going to take a quick throw-in and say, 'Carry on'. You have to manage the game.

"Some teams are not happy with us this season, but it's about being clever in that moment, about using your experience. Opposition fans are not going to like it either, because it's against their team. But as a neutral, I think it's good to see. I don't see why everyone's kicking off about it, it's good!"

Asked whether Newcastle plan to use the same tactics at Wembley, Trippier replied: "Of course we will.

"You've got to have that mentality. If you want to win, if you want to be successful, you have to be cute in every single game.

"You look at teams like Real Madrid and how successful they have been, and they've had players like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and they were the best at it. If you want to be successful, you have to manage the game well, and at the right time."

Marcus Thuram will leave Borussia Moenchengladbach at the end of this season when his contract expires.

As a result, the 25-year-old French forward is garnering plenty of interest from top European clubs.

Thuram has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season for Gladbach, having been part of France's 2022 World Cup squad.

 

TOP STORY – THURAM OFFERED TO BARCELONA

Marcus Thuram's agent has offered the French forward to Barcelona as an off-season signing, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Thuram has interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Inter.

Barcelona's economic challenges mean they have prioritised signing players on free transfers in recent times with Thuram offering that plus flexibility in attack.

 

ROUND-UP

– Fichajes claims Cristiano Ronaldo wants Sergio Ramos to join him at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, with the defender's contract with PSG to expire at the end of this season. Ramos will leave it late to make a decision, holding out hope for a PSG extension.

Liverpool will battle Bayern Munich in the off-season for the signature of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, reports Calciomercatoweb.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are all interested in Inter's Marcelo Brozovic, with the Serie A club open to selling him, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, reports Football Insider. Fabrizio Romano claims numerous top clubs are interested in the Dutch defender.

– La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Liverpool are tracking Inter's Nicolo Barella as they look to bolster their midfield options.

West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford are all circling for Milan forward Olivier Giroud,  who is open to a return to England, claims The Sun.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe wants his players to grow accustomed to playing for trophies in finals ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup decider against Manchester United.

The Magpies have not featured in a domestic final for 24 years, while they have not won a major trophy since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

Expectations have grown around Newcastle since the change of ownership in October 2021 enabling greater financial expenditure on the squad, with the side currently contending for a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the Premier League.

Since Howe's appointment in November 2021, the Magpies improved from relegation battlers to finishing 11th in the 2021-22 campaign, with their 2022-23 league position and cup final appearance seen as another step forward which the boss wants to become the norm.

"We want the players to become accustomed to these days and expect them, not look at this final as a one-off and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Howe told reporters.

"In our position, that wouldn't be a healthy way to look at this game. We want to be very controlled in our emotions, use the energy of the crowd, but also have high expectations.

"This is the future we all want and we know only hard work and staying true to our principles will earn us the right to achieve it. We hope this is the start of an era where we compete for honours on a more regular basis."

Howe was hopeful his side could use the final as a springboard to bigger and better things but insisted that defeat would not be devastating for the club.

"Winning would help us accelerate the process, for sure, but it isn't the be-all and end-all for what lies ahead," he said.

"Regardless, the club is in a good place and can grow from here. Of course, we want to put pressure on ourselves to achieve. There is no part of me that's going to Wembley just to enjoy the day."

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