NEWCASTLE UNITED will play just four matches in their pre-season programme ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Magpies have already confirmed their participation in the Premier League Asia Trophy, which takes place in the middle of July.

As a result, they have had to severely curtail their summer fixture list in this country and will play just two additional matches against Scottish side Hibernian and French club St Etienne.

Newcastle will travel to Easter Road to take on Hibernian on Tuesday, July 30 (7.45pm) in what will be their only away pre-season game in Britain.

They will then complete their pre-season programme with a home game against St Etienne on Saturday, August 3 (3pm), the weekend before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Hibs, who are managed by former Barnsley and Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom, finished fifth in the Scottish Premier League table this season.

St Etienne, who are assured of a top-four finish in Ligue 1, boast former Newcastle duo Mathieu Debuchy and Remy Cabella in their current squad.


Newcastle’s pre-season matches:

Wed July 17 – Wolves (Premier League Asia Trophy, Nanjing, 6pm)

Sat July 20 – Man City or West Ham (Premier League Asia Trophy, Hongkou, tbc)

Tues July 30 – Hibernian (Easter Road, 7.45pm)

Sat, Aug 3 – St Etienne (St James’ Park, 3pm)