In an in-depth piece for The Athletic, Chris Waugh and George Caulkin have been answering a host of questions from Newcastle United fans; most of which centred around our summer transfer plans.
In that article, they kick off by confirming that Kieran Tierney, James Maddison and Scott McTominay all ‘feature prominently’ on our current list of targets. However, it’s stressed that our final shortlist is yet to be whittled down as we wait to find out which European competition we’ll be competing in next season.
One name mentioned in the piece if Khephren Thuram; a player we discussed with Jacque Talbot in a recent exclusive for NUFC Blog.
The Athletic report that Steve Nickson is a big fan of the Nice midfielder, stating the 22-year-old Frenchman could be an ‘intriguing option’ for Newcastle due to his age and huge potential.
Brother Marcus Thuram is also mentioned in the piece, with Waugh stating we’ve ‘asked to be kept informed of the forward’s situation’ as he prepares to leave on a free transfer this summer. His wage demands are expected to be high, however.
Then to players who won’t be arriving this summer, both Waugh and Caulkin insist the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will be out of our reach for now, with ambitious links with the England duo based on our current budget and FFP restrictions. Barcelona’s Gavi has also been mentioned in gossip columns due to ongoing financial issues at the Nou Camp, but he too is described as an unrealistic option for now.
Last but not least, Allan Saint-Maximin’s future at Newcastle United is discussed. As we know, Eddie Howe had no interest in letting him leave midway through the season, but The Athletic have revealed that the winger’s camp have ‘explored his exit options’ amid concerns he is not conducive to Howe’s all-action and high-intensity style of play.
AC Milan were heavily linked just a few months ago and he remains one of our more saleable assets, so that could be one to watch this summer?
Personally, I’d love nothing more than to see him stay fit and develop into a key player in attack, as he’s a great character and unplayable at his best, but I do wonder if his long-term future may lie elsewhere after a stop-start 18 months.
