Jaissle remains optimistic after Newcastle's friendly loss to Leverkusen

Matthias Jaissle is already offering glimpses that he can reassemble the Newcastle puzzle after the departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. The German manager watched his side slip to a 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly at St James' Park in front of over 39,000 spectators, yet identified several encouraging signs.

Jaissle's team fell behind within 60 seconds when Ibrahim Maza caught Lukas Hornicek out. Malick Thiaw levelled with a header just before the interval from Anthony Elanga's corner before Victor Boniface sealed victory for the Germans in the second period.

Miley Jr. impresses on debut

What pleased the manager was seeing players such as Thiaw, Elanga and Yoane Wissa displaying renewed energy under his direction. Particularly impressive was 17-year-old Mason Miley in his debut at right-back. "Mason's a young lad with the attitude we need; he has the right heart and the right quality," Jaissle said. With Tino Livramento sidelined, Miley is now in contention to face Liverpool next Sunday.

Dedic deal nears completion

According to The Guardian, Amar Dedic from Benfica appears set to complete his move to Newcastle. The 23-year-old full-back, who can operate on both flanks, previously worked under Jaissle at RB Salzburg and was on the verge of finalising terms. Once done, attention will turn to addressing the midfield void left by Tonali and Guimarães, where options are narrowing: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg rejected a £13m offer and João Palhinha continues to resist Newcastle's interest.