The suspension of the Premier League due to the coronavirus outbreak has given Newcastle United an ideal opportunity to plan for the summer transfer window.
The Magpies aren’t totally safe from relegation just yet, but they will fancy their chances of avoiding the drop when the fixtures resume.
Although his team were heavily tipped to struggle this season, manager Steve Bruce has done a decent job keeping them relatively clear of trouble.
However, if Newcastle do manage to retain their top flight status, Bruce will face a difficult task to improve his squad in the next transfer window.
Read on as we take a closer look at some of the potential incomings and outgoings at St James’ Park this summer.
Bruce junior urges club to sign Celtic star
The Magpies are believed to be considering trying to sign prolific Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard following a recommendation from Bruce’s son.
Alex Bruce spent the last year of his playing career with Kilmarnock and played against Edouard during his time in Scotland.
The striker has scored 21 goals in 27 league appearances this term to leave many punters asking what is the bet365 bonus code to back him to get on the scoresheet every week.
Celtic paid just £9 million to sign Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain and a £30m fee could be enough to secure his services this summer.
Longstaff future in huge doubt
Matty Longstaff may be on his way out of St James’ Park this summer after failing to agree a new contract with the club.
Longstaff’s current deal expires in June and numerous clubs around Europe are believed to have expressed an interest in signing him.
Ajax, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are said to have made contact with the midfielder, while Arsenal and Everton are also thought to be monitoring the situation.
Losing Longstaff would be a blow to Bruce who has made it clear that he wants the player to stay at Newcastle with his brother, Sean.
Permanent deal for Lazaro in doubt
Newcastle’s hopes of signing Valentino Lazaro on permanent basis appear to be fading after the player admitted that he wanted to prove himself at Inter Milan.
Lazaro is set to return to his parent club at the end of the season and has made it clear that he is eager to establish himself with Inter.
The 23-year-old has looked a class act since Bruce started playing him further up the pitch and would be an excellent addition if Newcastle could persuade him to stay.
However, if Inter do decide to sell Lazaro there is likely to be plenty of competition for his services and he may end up being out of Newcastle’s reach financially.
