It promises to be a busy final month of the summer transfer window for Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe looks to bring in further reinforcements to build a strong squad for the season ahead.
While the defensive signing of Sven Botman answers one of the most pressing issues, it’s likely that the Magpies will be back in the market for a forward before the transfer window slams shut, and a move for James Maddison appears to be on the cards. But, if the Toon are priced out of a move for the Leicester City star, who could be targeted?
Harvey Barnes
It has been rumoured that Maddison isn’t the only Leicester player that the Magpies are looking at, as they have reportedly been interested in Harvey Barnes throughout the summer. Barnes could see this summer as a perfect opportunity to take on a new challenge, as the number of players departing the King Power Stadium is likely to have a direct impact on their chances of European qualification, according to the latest odds found by https://allbets.tv.
The 24-year-old enjoyed another excellent campaign with Leicester last term, as he scored six goals and registered a career-high ten assists. The fact that he can play on both flanks will be a huge plus for Howe, as he could use Barnes on the right-hand side when Allan Saint-Maximum is fully fit. At points last season, Barnes also played in a deeper wide role, and was also deployed as a number ten, adding further flexibility to the system that Newcastle could play.
Emmanuel Dennis
A new central striker will rank very high on the list of targets that Howe will be looking to bring to the club before the transfer deadline. Newcastle fell short in their attempts to bring Hugo Etitike to the club, and fears over the long-standing injury issues of Callum Wilson could create a problem as the season progresses. A very simple solution could be found by bringing in Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis.
It is a little surprising that no club has made a move for the striker so far this transfer window, as he was one of the most impressive stars for the Hornets in the Premier League last season. The 24-year-old scored ten goals and recorded six assists in his debut campaign, and there is every expectancy that he could improve on that tally if given regular service.
Lucas Paqueta
It’s unlikely that Newcastle will sign two attacking midfielders this summer, which means if they fall short in their bid for James Maddison, then a move for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta is extremely likely. The Brazilian has already teased a move to Newcastle throughout the summer, as he appears keen for a reunion with former teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
The 24-year-old has impressed throughout his spell in Ligue 1 with Lyon, and was regularly deployed in a number ten position last season. He ended the 2021-22 season having scored nine goals and recorded six assists, and he certainly look capable of adding some extra quality in the final third for the Magpies.