NEWCASTLE UNITED'S planned trip to Aston Villa on Friday has been postponed after the Magpies were hit with a serious outbreak of coronavirus.

The Magpies’ Little Benton training base has been closed since the weekend in an attempt to halt the spread of a Covid outbreak that is currently showing no signs of easing.

Steve Bruce confirmed three members of the playing and coaching staff had tested positive in the build-up to last Friday’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, and two more positive test results were received over the weekend. Of the five staff members to have tested positive, four are understood to be players with the other a senior member of the coaching staff.

However, with testing still ongoing, it is feared confirmation of further infections could be in the offing. It has been suggested that Newcastle’s medical staff privately fear that up to ten players could be forced into self-isolation because of positive test results, with another round of tests due to take place later today.

Friday's match, which was formally postponed early yesterday evening, is the first Premier League game to be called off due to Covid-19 this season.

A Newcastle statement said: “Several Newcastle United players and staff members are now self-isolating at home after returning positive test results in recent days and the club’s training centre site has been temporarily closed in order to contain the spread of the virus.

“With the Magpies’ first team currently unable to prepare for the match as a group, Newcastle United lodged a request with the Premier League to postpone the fixture at Villa Park, which has been approved by the Premier League board.

“Despite previously experiencing only a very small number of isolated Covid-19 cases, positive test results have risen sharply in recent days.

“Accordingly, the club is now is working with Public Health England North East (PHE), local health authorities and the Premier League in line with Covid-19 protocols to identify the source of the outbreak and to ensure the risk of further transmission continues to be minimised.

"All players and training ground staff will be re-tested this week."