The Magpies are due to return from their temporary base at adidas' global headquarters in Herzogenaurach over the weekend, with attentions soon to turn to the pre-season friendly at Hull City next Saturday and subsequent trip to Japan.

Some of the squad met the media after another taxing training session to reflect on the start of United's pre-season schedules, while Serena Taylor was there once again to capture all the action out on the pitch for newcastleunited.com.