Newcastle target Jørgen Strand Larsen fired Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 3-2 League Cup victory over West Ham United on Tuesday, while Premier League sides Leeds United and Sunderland crashed out on penalties to lower-league opposition.
Wolves have reportedly rejected a £50 million bid from Newcastle for Larsen, who could serve as a replacement for Alexander Isak. Introduced just 17 minutes from time, the Norwegian struck twice in three minutes to overturn the tie at Molineux and pile more pressure on West Ham manager Graham Potter.
Rodrigo Gomes had given Wolves the lead, but Tomas Souček and Lucas Paquetá put the Hammers in front. Larsen’s quickfire double sealed the win, leaving West Ham winless this season after conceding eight goals in their opening two Premier League defeats.
Elsewhere, Leeds, despite spending nearly £100 million since their Premier League return, were dumped out by Sheffield Wednesday. Fans boycotted Hillsborough in protest at owner Dejphon Chansiri, but Wednesday triumphed as Leeds missed all three penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Sunderland also suffered humiliation, losing to League One Huddersfield on spot-kicks after another 1-1 draw.
In the other ties, Brentford secured a 2-0 win at Bournemouth with goals from Fábio Carvalho and Igor Thiago, while Burnley edged Derby County 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Oliver Sonne.