Journalist claims Norwich, Benfica & Roma trio have been discussed in NUFC transfer talks

According to The Mail’s Simon Jones, Newcastle United’s recruitment team have been busy identifying potential summer targets in recent weeks – despite uncertainty remaining over a potential £300m takeover.

His latest piece names FIVE player who’ve all been ‘discussed’ in transfer summets; Norwich centre-back Ben Godfrey, Benfica talent Florentino Luis, Roma striker Patrik Schick, recently released Nice midfielder Arnauld Lusamba and Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri.

Here’s a snippet from his latest piece for The Mail on the transfer front:

The St James’ Park club have been busy identifying potential targets of their own with Roma striker Patrik Schick, Arnaud Lusamba of Nice, Benfica’s Florentino Luis and Ben Godfrey of Norwich among those discussed. 

Another option, highly rated Uruguayan winger 18-year-old Facundo Pellistri from Atletico Penarol, who is valued at £10m, is attracting strong interest from Manchester City and United.

Any talk of transfers may seem pointless to some while the impending takeover waits for a final decision, yet some arguments I see saying the club won’t be planning for the summer transfer window seem silly to me.

After all, what would happen if we stood still and relied on a takeover, only for it to be disapproved? Head of recruitment Steve Nickson and Co have got to make plans just incase the worst happens. And even if a deal did go through, who’s to say our entire recruitment team would be abolished and all targets currently lined up completely ignored?

As for the players linked, this is not the first time the likes of Schick and Lusamba have been named as possible targets, with the former expected to be sold after a loan spell at RB Leipzig and the latter now available on a free after being released by Nice.

Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis also fits our current blue print, being a highly-rated Portugal U-23 star, however he’s expected to cost £30m plus and will have no shortage of takers.

We’ve also been credited with Pellestri recently, however talk of us being in the mix for Canaries centre-back Ben Godfrey is a new one.

Not only does he play in a position we are well stocked in, it’s been reported this week that Norwich will want £50m for him this summer – which seems absolutely bonkers.

If we’re looking at anyone at Norwich this summer, it should be Emi Buendia, the Argentine playmaker who’s been one of the best creative players outside the top six this season.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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