Eddie Howe is targeting ‘quality’ assets for Newcastle United this summer as the Magpies boss attempts to right the wrongs of this season.
In truth, there is a general feeling that Howe’s side does not need a dramatic overhaul. Instead, a spot of fine-tuning should do the job. Had it not been for the rampant injuries on Tyneside in recent months, this squad would more than likely pushed for another Champions League finish.
However, there is definitely room for improvement – and attractive options in the market to make that a reality – while some senior stars may well bid farewell to the St James’ Park project.
Big-money attacker brought in
Newcastle are pushing to land not one but two defenders in the form of Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly in the coming weeks. The duo are both out of contract at Fulham and Bournemouth respectively and would be welcome additions to Howe’s backline.
A double deal of that nature would prove shrewd and, crucially, free up significant funds to spend at the opposite end of the pitch. Miguel Almiron was heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle in January as Saudi side Al-Shabab circled. £25m interest was registered but the wide man showed no interest in departing.
This time around, it appears interest is closer to home. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have expressed their desire to poach Almiron as they seek not to enjoy a short-lived stint back in the big time.
In terms of who Newcastle could bring in on the right-side of their attack, there is a number of exciting options. All of which, coincidentally, would likely cost similar amounts.
You suspect £60m would be enough to land one of Michael Olise of Crystal Palace, Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford. All three have been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks and each would be a popular purchase in this part of the world.
Olise has a vast amount of suitors and speculation persists that he will be Old Trafford-bound in the coming months. Wolves have set their stall out regarding Neto and are set to fight tooth and nail to keep him.
Just this week, however, Mbeumo hinted he may be keen on a fresh challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Newcastle should be all over that.
Big name departures
You could argue Allan Saint-Maximin is the only post-takeover exit that has hit the team hard. Yes, this week brought the emotional news that Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie would be leaving, while well-liked Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden have also bid farewell, but the Frenchman’s departure ranks as the most significant under Howe.
That could change this summer should key men move on. Both Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier attracted serious interest in January but exits failed to materialise as Howe sought to keep the duo in the north east.
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Trippier was pursued heavily by Bayern Munich, who were willing to offer £15m for the 33-year-old. A similar offer this summer could quite easily see the right-back leave given he is entering the final year of his contract.
Wilson was wanted by Atletico Madrid, while Brentford have been tentatively linked with a summer move. Another approaching the end of his contract in NE1, both parties may decide this is the right time to break, despite Howe’s public backing of the player amid recent speculation.
Martin Dubravka, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Yankuba Minteh, Harrison Ashby and Garang Kuol are others who could theoretically be moved on to free up squad space and bolster the budget.
Keep the main men
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