With no signs of any incomings in the January transfer window, Newcastle may already be planning a major statement signing in the summer.

A number of right-wingers have been linked this month, with PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling all linked along with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

However, with Miguel Almiron’s departure coming late in the day and the club remaining extremely cautious of our financial situation heading into June’s PSR deadline, it looks like we aren’t in a position to bring in a right-sided addition before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.

That said, it sounds like we are already planning who to push or this summer, with new details on one exciting option emerging in a new report.

£60m set aside for summer?

According to The Mirror’s Darren Lewis, Newcastle are preparing a summer move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

He reports that Newcastle have been in contact with the Bees earlier this month over a deal for the Cameroonian international. However, Brentford chiefs quickly ruled out a January sale for their star winger.

Mbeumo is thought to be valued around the £60m mark, although it remains to be seen if their demands will lower over the summer now he’s approaching the final 12 months of his contract.

Lewis reports that Thomas Frank’s team have the option to extend the 25-year-old’s contract by an additional 12 months, suggesting his value will remain high this summer.

Mbeumo currently sits fifth in the Premier League goals tally for this season, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Chris Wood scoring more than his 14 goals in the competition.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd looming

Though Newcastle have long held interest in Mbeumo, it’s no surprise that the Brentford ace’s performances have not gone unnoticed by those at the summit of the Premier League.

The Mirror report that Arsenal and Liverpool also admire Mbeumo, particularly due to the recent injury to Bukayo Saka for the Gunners, and the uncertainty surrounding Mo Salah’s future at Anfield.

Man Utd have also been credited with interest in the winger, with Ruben Amorim likely to reinforce his Reds squad this summer.

An essential upgrade for Eddie Howe

Considering the current market for goalscoring right-wingers, and the severe lack in depth Newcastle have in the position, a player like Mbeumo feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.

With Brentford unlikely to break into the top five in the table, and Eddie Howe’s side still being a favourite amongst bookies to bring Champions League football back to Tyneside this season, the allure of European football and an almost-guaranteed starting XI slot could put Newcastle in the driving seat for Mbeumo.

With the inevitable return of Harvey Barnes, and Will Osula showing signs of potential when afforded the chance, Mbeumo’s goalscoring capabilities could give Newcastle one of the most-feared attacks in the league alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.