Overview
- Newcastle came close to sending Osula to Eintracht Frankfurt before owners pulled out when a reported obligation-to-buy of around £30m was added to an initial loan proposal worth about £4.3m.
- Howe said he was relieved the move collapsed because £55m signing Yoane Wissa suffered a knee injury and has yet to play, increasing Osula’s importance.
- Osula has delivered key moments lately, including setting up Bruno Guimaraes’ 90th-minute winner against Fulham and scoring twice in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City.
- He is in contention to start the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, though he has been managing a slight ankle issue.
- Howe’s selection picture also includes Sven Botman as a doubt after a head cut, Lewis Hall not ready to face Spurs, and Tino Livramento being targeted for the Manchester City match.