EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle exploring loan-to-buy Madueke deal and Kulusevski also liked

Newcastle United are exploring a loan-to-buy deal for Chelsea's Noni Madueke.

As previously reported this summer, the 22-year-old is on the club's list of right-winger options, with the arrival of an upgrade on Miguel Almiron considered a top priority alongside the signing of a right-footed centre-back.

Newcastle are busy working on a deal for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, but it's widely accepted that the England international could command a club-record fee, leaving limited funds available to sign a right-sided forward.

With that potential dilemma in mind, it's understood Newcastle have explored the possibility of an initial loan deal for Madueke that includes an obligation to sign the former PSV star on a permanent deal next summer.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will entertain such a deal, although a similar agreement was found last summer to secure the signing of Lewis Hall. Not only that, Chelsea are thought to be closing in on a £60m move for Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who threatens to reduce Madueke's minutes, despite an impressive pre-season.

Madueke played with Anthony Gordon in last summer's European Championships at U21 level and nailed down a place in Chelsea's side over the final few months of the 2023/24 campaign. However, it's not clear if he's in the long-term plans of new boss Enzo Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino's surprise departure at the end of May.

We can also reveal that Newcastle United are big admirers of Spurs winger Dejan Kulusevki.

The 24-year-old ticks several boxes as a tall, robust and hard-working winger who also offers versatility and a quality left foot. He's a good age - Newcastle are actively looking to lower the age of their current squad – and knows Alexander Isak from their time with the Sweden national side.

He would not come cheap and his impressive pre-season will only increase Spurs’ reluctance to sell, although a £57m move for Dominic Solanke may change their stance from a PSR perspective.

Should Newcastle receive encouragement that a deal is possible with Paul Mitchell's former club, player sales could be required to sign the Tottenham attacker alongside top centre-back target Marc Guehi.

Decisions must be made on the future of Kieran Trippier, Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson - all out of contract next summer - and Miguel Almiron should be moved on should a new right-winger arrive, with fringe men such as Martin Dubravka, Matt Targett, Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis all free to leave.