Newcastle United

The Premier League season is over and we all know who the biggest winners and losers have been. Or do we? The silverware may have been dished out, but now is the time for clubs' performances to be truly evaluated. ~ 16:32 TalkSport

The football season is over for English football's elite, but - one way or another - it has been another dramatic campaign. Man United tore the Premier League crown from Man City's hands in dominant style to pick up their 20th title, while the FA Cup was given a new lease of life as Wigan won the trophy in fairytale fashion. ~ 14:16 TalkSport

It was a Premier League season defined by the departure of genuinely great players and managers, with the retirement of Paul Scholes, Stilyan Petrov, Jamie Carragher, (possibly) Phil Neville and, of course, Sir Alex Ferguson, leaving plenty of intrigue as to how they will be replaced next campaign. Meanwhile, the likes of Luis Suarez (good and bad), Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale provided plenty of entertainment, as the season played out its twists and turns. ~ 11:55 TalkSport

Newcastle defender Danny Simpson has bid farewell to the club's fans as he gets set for a summer exit. The right-back, currently dating X Factor judge Tulisa, is leaving St James' Park after four years on Tyneside. Simpson wrote on Twitter: "I just want to say a massive thank you to all the Newcastle fans that have supported me in my four years at the club. "You will always have a place in my heart. I've loved every minute of it from day one. So once again thank you. ~ 10:37 TalkSport

Michael Owen paid tribute to the Stoke City fans after they gave him a rapturous reception in the final game of his career in a 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary's Stadium. The former England hotshot was brought on with 15 minutes to spare and received applause from all corners of the ground. He told talkSPORT: "The Stoke supporters were fantastic considering I haven’t had much of an influence on the team in the year I’ve been here but they were shouting my name all game. I was really privileged to have that send off." ~ 18:37 TalkSport

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed his side as special after they secured Champions League football for a 16th successive season with a 1-0 win at Newcastle. The Gunners celebrated wildly after ensuring they got fourth spot ahead of North London neighbours Tottenham who beat Sunderland 1-0. And Wenger told talkSPORT: "we have a strong spirit inside the club and have donE extremely well over the years. I’m very proud that this group of players has been rewarded because they are special. ~ 18:16 TalkSport

Laurent Koscielny’s second half strike for Arsenal against Newcastle has given the Gunners Champions League football next season, despite Tottenham beating Sunderland 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Spurs gave it their all on home soil but the French defender’s hooked goal after 52 minutes at St James’ Park ensured that Arsene Wenger’s men will once again finish above their fierce rivals thank to their 1-0 win. ~ 17:35 TalkSport

The 2012/13 Barclays Premier League comes to a close this weekend, but how much can you recall about this season? Take talkSPORT's end of season quiz to find out. No cheating, and let us know how you get on below. 1. Which Manchester United player has made the most appearances for the club in this season's Premier League? 2. Before the final game of the season, which player had top scored in the Premier League for Manchester City? ~ 07:34 TalkSport

After a disastrous season, QPR named their own fans as the club's Players' Player of the Year (yes, you really did read that correctly), so we asked talkSPORT listeners to tell us their most depressing season as a football fan, and here's what they said. Make sure you don't miss out on our next debate by following us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/talksport and Twitter @talkSPORT. ~ 07:24 TalkSport

Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson has told talkSPORT that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. The right-back, 26, has spent four years at St James’ Park, but his contract runs out at the end of May and he appears set to move away from the north east. And Simpson has admitted that it will be emotional to exit the club. Asked if he will leave after their match with Arsenal, the right-back said: “I think it does look that way, unfortunately. ~ 17:52 TalkSport

Here is all of Saturday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Incoming Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will try to hijack Manchester United's attempt to bring Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, back to English football. (Daily Mail) Arsenal are expected to sign Queens Park Rangers' 33-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar. (Daily Mirror) Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, is top of Barcelona's wish-list as the Spanish giants try to sign three new goalkeepers. (Daily Mirror) ~ 21:34 TalkSport

Here is all of Saturday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Incoming Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will try to hijack Manchester United's attempt to bring Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, back to English football. (Daily Mail) Arsenal are expected to sign Queens Park Rangers' 33-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar. (Daily Mirror) Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, is top of Barcelona's wish-list as the Spanish giants try to sign three new goalkeepers. (Daily Mirror) ~ 21:34 TalkSport

The Toon goalkeeper looks ahead to his final game between the sticks for his boyhood club after nearly two decades on their books. He discusses his time at St James' Park and what the future hold for him. Harper also tells Danny about his battle with depression and how hard it was to deal with in such a macho environment. You can listen to Kick Off every weekday from 7pm-10pm ~ 21:01 TalkSport

Alan Pardew has denied Wayne Rooney is a transfer target for Newcastle. A report earlier this week on the Sports Direct news website, the company owned by Magpies owner Mike Ashley, claimed the club had made moves to sign the 27-year-old this summer. The England striker's future at Manchester United is uncertain after he handed in a transfer request, but a move to St James' Park would be a major surprise. ~ 14:06 TalkSport

Here is all of Thursday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Manuel Pellegrini has handed Manchester City a five-man shortlist of transfer targets after agreeing a two-year contract at the Etihad. Malaga star Isco has already agreed to follow the Chilean to City at the end of the season, while Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria, Seville stars Jesus Navas and Geoffrey Kondogbia and Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus are all targets. (Daily Star) ~ 06:48 TalkSport

Newcastle and Southampton are trailing Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate. The versatile 23-year-old is ready to leave the Belgian club, having played for them since 2008. He can play in defence or midfield and scouts from numerous Premier League clubs have watched him this season. Arsenal were said to be keen on the Senegal international but their interest has apparently cooled. That leaves Newcastle and Southampton as the frontrunners to land Kouyate.   ~ 10:06 TalkSport

Arsenal and Liverpool interest Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will take the summer to decide where to play his football next season – though he hopes to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for Real Madrid in the near future. The Saint Etienne and Gabon forward has hit 19 goals in 35 Ligue 1 games so far this season, helping the club to the cusp of the European places. ~ 15:04 TalkSport

[View the story "Tweets of the weekend 11-12 May" on Storify] ~ 10:28 TalkSport

Wigan’s Premier League future is hanging by a thread after results went against the FA Cup winners with Norwich City and Newcastle both victorious on a dramatic Sunday. The Latics’ now must beat both Arsenal and Aston Villa if they are to preserve their top flight status after their relegation rivals all got results. Chris Hughton’s Canaries, who started the day in 16th, registered an emphatic 4-0 victory over West Brom at Carrow Road. Robert Snodgrass and Grant Holt netted either side of half time to give them a 2-0 lead on home soil. ~ 16:20 TalkSport

Former Newcastle United star Steve Howey has admitted that Alan Pardew could face the sack after their poor performance in the Premier League this season. The Toon were shock Champions League challengers last season but have failed to make any impact on the division this year. They have struggled for most of the campaign and even signing a plethora of stars from Ligue Un hasn’t helped them improve their dire form. And Howey reckons that, despite Pardew signing an eight-year contract earlier in the season, he could soon find himself out of a job. ~ 11:44 TalkSport

Here is all of Sunday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Manchester United are lining up a £30m bid for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, 25, as a replacement for Wayne Rooney. (The Sun on Sunday) Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, wants to test himself against Europe's best in the Champions League and has hinted that he could follow manager David Moyes to Manchester United. (Metro) Liverpool are in talks over signing £8m-rated Lille left-back Lucas Digne, 19. (Sunday People) ~ 09:46 TalkSport

Here is all of Friday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... New Manchester United manager David Moyes wants to make 25-year-old Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini his first signing at Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror) Moyes wants to sign Fellaini and left-back Leighton Baines, 28, from Everton in a potential £39m double deal. (The Sun) Everton will block any attempts from Moyes to sign Baines but Fellaini's contract contains a release clause. (Daily Telegraph) ~ 06:51 TalkSport

David Ginola believes Newcastle’s French imports don’t realise the importance of keeping the Magpies in the Premier League. The north east side are perilously placed in the table, just three points ahead of Wigan, who sit 18th, with two matches remaining of the season. ~ 09:47 TalkSport

talkSPORT's north east football expert, Graham Courtney, claims Newcastle and Sunderland will both beat relegation. The pair are perilously placed in the table, with just three points seperating them from Wigan, who occupy the remaining place in the drop zone. The Mackems picked up a point against Stoke City on Monday evening and Courtney, who watched the game for talkSPORT, believes Paolo Di Canio's side have too much quality and will be in the Premier League next season, along with their neighbours Newcastle. ~ 07:12 TalkSport

It’s the tightest relegation battle the Premier League has seen in years, but who will fill that final place in the bottom three at the end of the season? Let us know your thoughts with the poll below...   ~ 15:16 TalkSport

It was a drama-filled weekend of sport as the final day of the Championship saw promotion, play-off and relegation places contested, while in the Premier League the fight for European spots tightened up, as Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea all won. At the bottom of the table the battle to beat the drop was given some added spice, as Wigan shocked West Brom and Newcastle were left ruing their luck after Papiss Cisse was denied the only goal of the game, despite replays suggesting that the ball had indeed crossed the line. ~ 11:08 TalkSport

[View the story "Tweets of the weekend 4-5 May " on Storify] ~ 10:03 TalkSport

Newcastle legend Warren Barton believes the Magpies will just survive but that this season should serve as a wake up call. Newcastle sit three points above the relegation zone but Sunderland and Wigan both have a game in hand and the former Toon Army left back told Call Collymore: "The biggest problem is now they think it's going to be OK. I think they're going to have a big wake up call. ~ 17:27 TalkSport

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes his side just need one more victory to secure their place in the Premier League. The Magpies’ top flight status is hanging on a knife-edge after being dragged into the relegation dogfight, but the Tyneside club looked to have received a boost to their survival hopes with a well earned goalless draw with West Ham at Upton Park. ~ 17:47 TalkSport

Gareth Bale, on his 200th appearance for the club, was the hero again for Tottenham Hotspur as his late thunderbolt gave them a 1-0 win over Southampton to send them fourth. It looked like Spurs were going to be frustrated by the Saints at White Hart Lane as Mauricio Pochettino’s men looked the better side. ~ 16:41 TalkSport

Gareth Bale, on his 200th appearance for the club, was the hero again for Tottenham Hotspur as his late thunderbolt gave them a 1-0 win over Southampton to send them fourth. It looked like Spurs were going to be frustrated by the Saints at White Hart Lane as Mauricio Pochettino’s men looked the better side. ~ 16:41 TalkSport

Liverpool are reportedly set to pounce for Reading centre-back Alex Pearce now the Royals have been relegated and will snap the 24-year-old up for free. Reds manager Brendan Rodgers knows Reading academy graduate Pearce from his time at the club and the youngster was the club's Player of the Year in 2012. ~ 08:21 TalkSport

Birmingham City right-back Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from football. The defender, 36, has endured several injury setbacks over the last year-and-a-half and he has now decided to call time on his career. The Irishman started his career at Tottenham back in 1993 and helped them to lift the League Cup in 1999 when they beat Leicester City 1-0 at Wembley. ~ 11:21 TalkSport

Rob Lee joined the Breakfast boys on Friday morning to assess Newcastle United's chances of Premier League survival. ~ 10:13 TalkSport

Niall Hickman, north east correspondent for the Daily Express, joins Mike Graham to assess what has gone wrong for Newcastle this season. ~ 09:08 TalkSport

Here is all of Friday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Jose Mourinho has agreed a sensational return to Chelsea. The Special One’s Stamford Bridge comeback is unlikely to be officially announced until July 1 but Roman Abramvoich has sanctioned a £10million-a-year package to tempt Mourinho back. (The Sun) And Mourinho will try and tempt Robert Lewandowski to spurn Bayern Munich's advances and join him at Chelsea when he returns to Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail) ~ 07:15 TalkSport

Aurélien Chedjou has remained coy on his future at Lille amid interest from the Premier League. Newcastle are among a string of clubs in England who are said to be monitoring the centre-back. Fabricio Coloccini is likely to leave at the end of the current campaign and that has led to interest in Chedjou. Newcastle's Premier League status may depend on whether they firm up their interest but for now, Cameroon international Chedjou is focusing on Lille. ~ 10:14 TalkSport

Newcastle and Everton face a fight to land Vitoria Guimarães striker Amido Baldé, with Hamburg now in the running. Baldé was released by Sporting Lisbon last summer but has bounced back with Vitoria, scoring nine in the league this season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by Premier League sides this season, who believe they can snap him up for around £3.5m. But the former Portugal Under-20 international is also wanted by German side Hamburg, who are expected to make their move in the coming weeks.   ~ 09:44 TalkSport

Here is all of Thursday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Robert Lewandowski is ready to snub Manchester United and join Bayern Munich instead. The £25million-rated Dortmund sensation is on the brink of sealing a stunning 160,000-a-week five-year deal at Bayern. (The Sun) Roman Abramovich will have to pay as much as £12million to bring Jose Mourinho back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid coach inserted a break clause in the four-year contract he signed at the Bernabeu last summer after he won La Liga. (Daily Mail) ~ 07:14 TalkSport

Brazil's world famous football stadium the Maracana has reopened, following renovations designed to bring the old ground up to scratch in time to host the 2014 World Cup final. Originally built to host the 1950 World Cup, the Maracana had fallen into disrepair, but rather than abandon the stadium, the Brazilians opted to modernise one of the most evocative venues in world football. ~ 14:05 TalkSport

Napoli have joined Newcastle United in the chase to sign Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou. The relegation-threatened Magpies, who have the most porous back-line in the Premier League, will need to bolster their defensive options in the summer and N'Koulou is their top target. Alan Pardew has brought several players from Ligue 1 to St James' Park in recent seasons and the 23-year-old could follow suit. ~ 13:43 TalkSport

Newcastle's capitulation at the hands of Liverpool last weekend was branded “embarrassing, gutless and clueless” by former Toon hero Alan Shearer, and it's easy to see why. Despite missing star striker Luis Suarez, Liverpool proved they're more than a 'one man team' by handing the Magpies a 6-0 tonking to put Alan Pardew's job as boss in serious doubt. ~ 17:02 TalkSport

The Premier League title may be wrapped up, but there was still plenty at stake across the league as the battle for the top four took at fresh turn, while two of the relegation spots were decided on Sunday. ~ 14:20 TalkSport

Graham Courtney, talkSPORT's man in the north east, reflects on Newcastle's crushing 6-0 defeat to Liverpool at St James' Park on Saturday. The result has left Alan Pardew's side just five points above third-from-bottom Wigan, who have a game in hand. ~ 12:55 TalkSport

Here is all of Sunday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is the shock name in the frame to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager. Mancini could be axed by City even if he wins the FA Cup and Rodgers is on their radar, along with outgoing Chelsea interim chief Rafa Benitez. (Sunday Mirror) Liverpool are ready to make an £8million move for QPR striker Loic Remy as they look to fill the gap left by Luis Suarez’s ten-match ban for biting. (Sunday Express) ~ 10:03 TalkSport

Here is all of Sunday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is the shock name in the frame to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager. Mancini could be axed by City even if he wins the FA Cup and Rodgers is on their radar, along with outgoing Chelsea interim chief Rafa Benitez. (Sunday Mirror) Liverpool are ready to make an £8million move for QPR striker Loic Remy as they look to fill the gap left by Luis Suarez’s ten-match ban for biting. (Sunday Express) ~ 10:01 TalkSport

Liverpool showed there may be life in the team without Luis Suarez after romping to a 6-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Following a turbulent week for the red half of Merseyside, some have questioned how they may manage without the Uruguayan after the recent confirmation of his 10-match domestic ban. ~ 18:48 TalkSport

Here is all of Saturday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Pep Guardiola is set to sell winger Arjen Robben, 29, when he takes charge of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the summer. (Daily Mail) Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes winger Gareth Bale, 23, will remain at the club if they qualify for the Champions League. (The Guardian) ~ 10:33 TalkSport

So far this season, Premier League teams have received a whopping 1204 yellow cards and 44 red cards between them across all domestic competitions. While this is far from the dirtiest season on record, the frequency of cautions is an interesting talking point, with an average of 1.52 yellow cards-per game shown to top-flight sides this campaign. ~ 19:34 TalkSport

Much like a Luis Suarez arm nibble, our Premier League quiz will leave you with a nasty taste in your mouth as we unleash yet another bout of tricky trivia, so try your hand at the following 10 questions and let us know how you got on. 1) Both Steven Pienaar and Steve Sidwell have been sent of twice this season, but which of the two has received the most bookings? ~ 11:47 TalkSport

Here is all of Friday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Arsenal have made a move towards signing top summer transfer target Stevan Jovetic, 23, after opening talks with Fiorentina over the striker. (Daily Mail) Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, is willing to snub Bayern Munich to secure a dream move to Manchester United this summer. (Daily Star) Lewandowski's agent has said the striker has already reached agreement with one club, but Manchester United remain interested. (The Telegraph) ~ 06:50 TalkSport

Here is all of Thursday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26, will never play for the club again after being given a 10-match ban and will try to force a summer exit from Anfield. (Daily Star) Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has agreed to return to Chelsea and will be joined at Stamford Bridge by Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, 27. (Bild) ~ 07:03 TalkSport

Queens Park Rangers and Reading both had their Premier League survival hopes dented as they lost to Stoke and Norwich respectively. The Super Hoops and The Royals could even be relegated as soon as Monday night if Aston Villa manage to beat Manchester United, meanwhile Wigan are also struggling after losing to West Ham. Stoke were the visitors to Loftus Road and have been struggling themselves recently, winning just one of their last eight and only one away game all season, but they found an important victory at the right time to heap misery on Hary Redknapp’s QPR. ~ 16:31 TalkSport

[View the story "What is your clubs Goal of the Season?" on Storify] ~ 16:09 TalkSport

David Moyes feels Everton need three points just as much as Sunderland do, as the two teams prepare to meet at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees sit in fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal as they attempt to finish in a Champions League spot. While the Black Cats are 15th but only ahead of stoke City and Aston Villa on goal difference, after their 3-0 derby win over Newcastle United. ~ 16:02 TalkSport

talkSPORT Drive presenter Adrian Durham gives his forthright views on the week's football. Disagree with him? Have your say by commenting below (he reads every comment). Shut it, Sam The big problem with Sam Allardyce’s comments about the officials following West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United live on talkSPORT this week, is that fans will now feel their manager has given them permission to make any linesman’s life a misery when he tries to do his job at Upton Park. ~ 10:47 TalkSport

Here is all of Thursday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Chelsea representatives are understood to have held talks with Manuel Pellegrini’s adviser about becoming the club’s next manager. (Daily Telegraph) Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has opened the door on a possible summer move to Arsenal. (The Sun) Newcastle's Tim Krul is on AC Milan’s summer hit-list, with the Italian giants lining up a £12million bid. (Daily Mirror) ~ 07:11 TalkSport

Cardiff's promotion from the Championship means they will become the 46th club to have played in the Premier League, since the English top flight broke away from the Football League in 1992. That figure is significant, being half of the 92 clubs that ply their trade in the four professional divisions of English football, but how have the first 45 teams to play in the Premier League fared in that era? Take a look at your club's record since the Premier League kicked off in 1992/93 and see how it compares to the rest... ~ 20:44 TalkSport

Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor could miss all of next season with a cruciate knee ligament injury. The 28-year-old had only recently returned to training after he injured his knee last August in the Europa League qualification match against Atromitos. The new injury blow looks set to rule Taylor out for the majority of next season and possibly the entire campaign. ~ 14:52 TalkSport

AC Milan are lining up a summer swoop for Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul. According to reports in Italy, the San Siro giants have been tracking the 25-year-old all season and want him to become their new No.1. Christian Abbiati, 35, is currently their first-choice keeper, with 31-year-old Marco Amelia his main back-up. But sources claim they want to bring in a younger keeper to become their new long-term option. Holland international Krul fits the bill, particularly given his form for Newcastle since establishing himself at St James's Park. ~ 11:32 TalkSport

Here is all of Wednesday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Andre Villas-Boas has reignited his interest in Porto winger Christian Atsu. Everton and Sunderland are also keen on the 20-year-old winger who will have just a year left on his contract by the summer. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea will meet officials of Bayern Leverkusen this week in an attempt to finally clinch a £20 million deal for Germany forward André Schürrle. (Daily Telegraph) ~ 07:11 TalkSport

Suspended for Sunderland's trip to Newcastle, Craig Gardner attended the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park with the fans, travelling on the train with Black Cat Supporters, then, after encouragement from the Mackems, began a Paolo Di Canio chant. ~ 16:31 TalkSport

The titles might be few and far between at Anfield these days, but surely that's not a reason to change the foremost function of the club? According to the official Liverpool Facebook page it is. While the Facebook descriptions of Man United, Arsenal and Man City remain 'Professional Sports Team' (bit American, but that's Zuckerberg for you) Liverpool have opted for the more unconventional 'Shopping and Retail'... ~ 09:42 TalkSport

[View the story "RVPs Twitter rubbish and Magpies legend eats humble pie" on Storify] ~ 11:59 TalkSport

Former Newcastle defender Warren Barton believes the club can compete for a top six finish next season - but only if they improve the squad during the summer transfer window. The Magpies were comprehensively beaten by rivals Sunderland in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby and are in danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight. ~ 10:08 TalkSport

Champions elect Man United moved closer to the clinching the Premier League title after victory against Stoke, while over in Augusta, Adam Scott won his first ever golf major with victory in the Masters. ~ 09:56 TalkSport

Kevin Phillips claims the appointment of Paolo Di Canio is already proving to be an inspired move by the Sunderland board. The Black Cats crushed fierce rivals Newcastle 3-0 at St James’ Park on Sunday to earn Di Canio his first win as manager of the club. ~ 09:13 TalkSport

Steve Neill, chief superintendent of Northumbria police, joined the Breakfast boys to discuss the violence which followed Sunday's Tyne Wear derby. After Sunderland's 3-0 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park, a number of arrests were made as a minority of home supporters attacked police and attempted to confront opposing fans. ~ 08:43 TalkSport

Alan Pardew has blamed Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat to rivals Sunderland on their Europa League efforts on Thursday night. The Magpies players put on poor display in the Tyne-Wear derby and were deservedly dispatched by Paolo Di Canio’s industrious charges. ~ 15:36 TalkSport

Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul will miss the rest of the season. The Magpies shot-stopper suffered a dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to Sunderland at St James' Park on Sunday lunchtime. The Dutchman landed awkwardly after punching away an Adam Johnson free-kick and was immediately replaced by Rob Elliot in the second half of the humiliating defeat to their bitter rivals.   ~ 13:51 TalkSport

Stunning strikes from Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson and David Vaughan gave Sunderland an important 3-0 victory against fierce rivals Newcastle at St James’ Park. Paolo Di Canio’s manic celebrations on the touchline showed exactly how much the win meant as the Black Cats eased their relegation worries and moved up to 15th in the Premier League. The Italian’s charges played like men possessed throughout the Tyne-Wear derby and deservedly secured a comprehensive win. ~ 13:17 TalkSport

[View the story "Your favourite ever hat-tricks" on Storify] ~ 06:05 TalkSport

All statistics taken from official Office of National Statistics data. What do you think of Wigan's FA Cup semi-final ticket sales and the stats above? Share your thoughts, below… ~ 08:04 TalkSport

Here is all of Saturday's transfer gossip and paper talk... Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is preparing a summer move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards, and the Reds are among a number of clubs monitoring the 24-year-old. (Daily Mirror) Arsenal's Germany striker Lukas Podolski fears for his future at the club after not starting a game for two months. The 27-year-old is concerned that he may be sold by manager Arsene Wenger in the summer. (The Sun) ~ 20:53 TalkSport

After Gabriel Agbonlahor equalled Dwight Yorke's Premier League goals record of 60 for Aston Villa, talkSPORT were inspired to look at all of the all-time scorers in the competition for the clubs currently in the top flight. Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham are some of the obvious names, but fans may be surprised by Manchester United's leader, and a few others too. Starting with Arsene Wenger's favourite forward, click the arrow to begin... All stats correct up to 12 April 2013 ~ 20:02 TalkSport

talkSPORT Drive presenter Adrian Durham gives his forthright views on the week's football. Disagree with Adrian? Have your say by commenting below (he reads every comment).   AVB lost in the cup for losers Andre Villas-Boas is a manager who has qualities, but I'm still not convinced he's good enough to manage a club with the ambition of Tottenham Hotspur. ~ 11:16 TalkSport

Former Sunderland star, Michael Gray, looks ahead to this weekend's Tyne-Wear at St James' Park. The Mackems are in desperate need of three points and will be hoping the Magpies' Europa League exit to Benfica will play into their hands. ~ 09:06 TalkSport

Former Newcastle goalkeeper turned pundit, Shaka Hislop, looks back on the 1-1 draw, but ultimate 4-2 defeat, for Alan Pardew's side against Benfica in the Europa League quarter-finals. Papiss Cisse had two goals disallowed as the Magpies looked to sneak into the next round and he gave them hope after he headed home the opener after 71 minutes. But Eduardo Salvio killed off any faint hopes Alan Pardew’s men had when he fired home at the far post during added time following Rodrigo’s pull back. ~ 07:29 TalkSport

Alan Pardew has praised his side after they bowed out of the Europa League to Benfica at the quarter-final stage. The Toon boss saw his side draw 1-1 with the Portuguese giants at St James’ Park but it wasn’t enough to see them into the semi-finals as they lost 4-2 on aggregate. But Pardew was happy to see his men play well against tough opposition, and insists they will soon be a force to reckon with. "Benfica are a good side - you can't let them get a lead against you," he told ITV4 ~ 22:27 TalkSport

Newcastle United are out of the Europa League after losing to Benfica 4-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. It was always going to be tough for the Toon to progress to the semi-finals after being beaten 3-1 in the first leg. And they put in a committed performance, which nearly reaped rewards as they drew 1-1 at St James’ Park, but they will now bow out. Papiss Cisse had two goals disallowed as the Magpies looked to sneak into the next round and he gave them hope after he headed home the opener after 71 minutes. ~ 21:11 TalkSport

Newcastle United are out of the Europa League after losing to Benfica 4-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. It was always going to be tough for the Toon to progress to the semi-finals after being beaten 3-1 in the first leg. And they put in a committed performance, which nearly reaped rewards as they drew 1-1 at St James’ Park, but they will now bow out. Papiss Cisse had two goals disallowed as the Magpies looked to sneak into the next round and he gave them hope after he headed home the opener after 71 minutes. ~ 21:11 TalkSport

Daily Express north east football journalist, Niall Hickman, claims Newcastle can comeback from 3-1 down against Benfica in their Europa League quarter-final second-leg. The Magpies struggled in the Portuguese capital but did manage to secure a vital away goal at the Stadium of Light. ~ 09:32 TalkSport

Rubin Kazan are ready to challenge Arsenal and Newcastle for the services of Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Both Premier League clubs have been extensively linked with the St Etienne striker, 23, who has hit 17 goals in 30 Ligue 1 outings this season. That form has alerted a string of other clubs across the continent, with Inter Milan, PSG, Fiorentina and Roma all understood to be keen. ~ 09:30 TalkSport

Newcastle and Tottenham are the latest Premier League clubs to show an interest in highly-rated Ajax star Christian Eriksen, according to sources in Holland. The Denmark international, who was the youngest player at the 2010 World Cup, has seen his list of suitors grow in recent months following some impressive displays for the Dutch giants. ~ 08:54 TalkSport

Here is all of Wednesday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has agreed to go back to Chelsea this summer and has put Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk, 26, at the top of his transfer shopping list. (Daily Star) Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United, has stated that a reported £17m price tag is a matter for clubs interested in him. The Denmark international, 21, has a year left on his contract in Amsterdam. (Inside Futbol) ~ 07:05 TalkSport

Manchester City's 2-1 win at Old Trafford may not be enough to prevent their rivals United from marching on to another Premier League title, but the match did extend a remarkable record. When Sergio Aguero grabbed the late winner, it meant the Argentine has now scored in 25 Premier League matches for his club and on each occasion they have emerged without defeat. In fact, City have won 23 of those games, proving that when Aguero scores, it's extremely difficult to stop Roberto Mancini's men from getting three points, let alone to inflict defeat upon them. ~ 16:13 TalkSport

Lille star Aurelien Chedjou is set to snub interest from Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool to join Valencia this summer. According to reports in France, the Cameroon international, who is on the radar of the Premier League trio, wants to make the switch to Spain. The 27-year-old has become one of the most wanted defenders in Ligue 1 after his excellent form for the 2011 champions. Earlier this month he intimated he is ready to call time on his six-year spell at Lille - and looked to have a choice of clubs to join next. ~ 10:10 TalkSport

Inter Milan have stolen a march on Arsenal and Newcastle and produced a bid for Gabon hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to sources in Italy. The 23-year-old's reputation in Europe has soared this season following his prolific form for Saint-Etienne - he has scored 17 times in 30 league appearances - and a string of sides across the continent are monitoring his progress. After losing Demba Ba to Chelsea in January, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is on the hunt for attacking options, while Arsene Wenger is also looking for a new striker. ~ 13:56 TalkSport

Newcastle and Everton target Amido Balde is refusing to get carried away by speculation linking him with a big-money move to the Premier League during the summer. Balde is rated one of the best young talents in Portugal and has been impressive for his club side Vitoria Guimaraes. Alan Pardew and David Moyes are looking to strengthen their forward line at the end of the season and have been strongly linked with a move for the 21-year-old forward. ~ 11:56 TalkSport

[View the story "Ross Turnbulls Twitter hacked, Neville slams Taarabt and Di Canio plus more tweets of the weekend" on Storify] ~ 10:13 TalkSport

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that Papiss Cisse’s injury time winner against Fulham was ‘priceless’. The Magpies have struggled this season and two consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Wigan had left them dangerously close to the relegation zone. But the Senegalese striker’s breathtaking late, late goal gave his men a 1-0 victory over the Cottagers sees them pull clear at a crucial time, and it's importance wasn't lost on the 51-year-old boss. "It was a big moment, no doubt about that,” he said. ~ 18:14 TalkSport

Papiss Cisse scored yet another late, late goal to give Newcastle a 1-0 win over Fulham at St James’ Park. The Magpies have strayed dangerously close to the relegation zone in recent weeks following two consecutive Premier League defeats. But Alan Pardew’s men claimed a vital three points with victory over Martin Jol’s charges and they now find themselves in 13th place, six points clear of the relegation zone, after Cisse’s late stunner. ~ 16:16 TalkSport

John Barnes admits Liverpool will have to take a huge hit on the £35million they paid for Andy Carroll if they’re to offload the striker this summer. The Reds brought the England forward to Merseyside in the 2011 January transfer window but, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at the start of the campaign, the 24-year-old was loaned out to West Ham for the season. Newcastle and the Hammers are reportedly keen on the Three Lions star and ex-Anfield winger Barnes believes his former club will have to be realistic with their valuation of the hitman. ~ 15:35 TalkSport

Here is all of Sunday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Barcelona are preparing a summer move for 26-year-old Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. (Mail on Sunday) Liverpool have told Newcastle they will have to pay £17m in cash to bring Andy Carroll, 24, back to Tyneside. There was talk of a swap involving Magpies midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa but the Reds are reportedly concerned by his injury history. (Sunday Mirror) ~ 14:43 TalkSport

Here is all of Saturday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Manchester United are ready to cut their losses on 26-year-old Portuguese winger Nani after his poor performance in the FA Cup defeat by Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)   England striker Andy Carroll, 24, will not be allowed to leave Liverpool on the cheap, with manager Brendan Rodgers undecided whether the £35m striker is part of his plans. (Daily Mail) ~ 11:00 TalkSport

Europe may still be suffering the effects of a global financial crisis, but one area which hasn't been hit quite as hard as others is football. Stadium's across the continent are still enjoying near-capacity crowds on a regular basis, but which European side boasts the largest average attendance this season? ~ 07:30 TalkSport

Rickie Lambert is the top scoring English player in the Premier League this season, though he is some way down the goal charts, so which nationalities rule the top flight when it comes to hitting the back of the net? Click the arrow on the right to see the countries with the most goals so far this season (correct up to 5 April 2013). Where does your favourite Premier League player hail from? ~ 20:02 TalkSport

[View the story "Tweets of the week 1-5 April" on Storify] ~ 10:14 TalkSport

Brendan Rodgers has played down reports linking Liverpool with a swap deal for Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa. The Reds were claimed to have held talks with the Mapgies over a potential trade for French playmaker Ben Arfa, which would see Andy Carroll return to St James’ Park. But Rodgers, speaking to talkSPORT on Friday morning, said: “I only just heard about that in the way in [to training]. “The thing I’ve learnt about Liverpool is that, just because of the sheer size of the club, there are players linked with us all the time. ~ 08:07 TalkSport

Here is all of Friday’s transfer gossip and paper talk... Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the recent signings of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge will be the template for his summer transfer activity as he looks to bridge the gap to Champions League clubs. (Daily Telegraph) And Brendan Rodgers is targeting Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa, with the Reds chief keen to involve Andy Carroll in a swap deal. (Daily Mirror) ~ 06:36 TalkSport