The Athletic have released a brilliant piece on Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans after conversations with ‘senior figures’ at St James’ Park over the last few months.
The reports states that six signings could be targeted, with the club currently planning to bring in a right-sided centre-back, orthodox left-back, two midfielders (a No 6 and No 8) and up to two forwards.
Chris Waugh also adds that Eddie Howe is particularly keen to recruit players who can offer ‘size, speed and athleticism’, along with ‘technical excellence’, along with a focus on those who have experience in Europe’s top five domestic leagues, especially the Premier League.
As the average age of our squad is just over 27 – the fifth-highest in the Premier League – we’re expected to prioritise players under the age of 25, although a few more ‘experienced recruits’ in their mid to late 20s could also arrive.
It’s thought James Maddison ‘remains of keen interest’, while the piece also mentions former targets such as Joao Pedro (Watford) and Renan Lodi (on loan at Nottingham Forest) as two players who remain in our thoughts.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is ‘greatly admired’ on Tyneside, but he may be too expensive while we continue to work within FFP restrictions, while Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Barcelona winger Raphinha – who we looked to sign before he left Lees – are also deemed ‘less attainable’ names that feature on our shortlist.
The piece – which you can read in full here – features a host of names being looked at in each of the positions we’ve prioritised, offering a deep dive into our recruitment plans as we approach ‘phase two’ of this exciting new project.
