Champions League qualification may be essential if Newcastle United are to secure two prospective signings, it seems.

The Magpies’ hopes of securing a spot in European football’s elite domestic competition were bolstered significantly last weekend as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 4-3 in a thriller at St. James’ Park to move back up to fifth in the table.

Newcastle sit a point ahead of Bournemouth and Chelsea, who both lost on Saturday, and level on points with Premier League holders Man City. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now within arms reach, just three points above the Toon.

Two targets could be keen?

According to Mark Douglas at the i, Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen and an unnamed ‘elite right-winger’ are open to moves to Tyneside – but Champions League football could be key. 

Huijsen has a £50m release clause active this summer and it’s well documented that a right-winger is one of our top priorities, with Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Johan Bakayoko and Tyler Dibling among the names linked.

Here’s a snippet from his report: “‘As The i Paper revealed this week, they are one of six clubs who are realistic suitors for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen – a 19-year-old defender whose potential is “limitless”, according to one of those who has witnessed his development. 

“A £50m release clause means the Cherries regard his exit as inevitable and the player is understood to be open to a Newcastle approach, but playing in Europe is a priority.

“It is a message Mitchell will be hearing a lot. Another potentially elite right-winger who will be available is understood to be open to a move to Newcastle but only – in the words of one source familiar with his thinking – ‘if they are in the Champions League in 2025’.”

It is interesting with regards to Huijsen, who has all the attributes to be one of the best centre-backs in world football in coming years and has been linked regularly in recent weeks. His profile fits exactly the type of player we have been looking to sign – akin to young defensive additions with huge potential like Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman.

Douglas also reports that we have an interest in his partner at the Cherries Illia Zabarnyi who would prove tough to prise away from Bournemouth, with no release clause in his contract as there is in Huijsen’s.

PSR position improved – but Champions League key?

Our strengthened position with regards to PSR following January moves for Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly will open the door for spending this summer after three windows without a significant signing.

Champions League football in the north east next season is going to be crucial if we are going to secure our main targets – even just to compete for the top signings, we need to be in Europe’s premiere competition.

It’s been said that sporting director Mitchell has prepared for both scenarios, Champions League qualification or not, drafting up two separate lists for targets. ‘Plan A’ being with the UCL on our calendar, and ‘Plan B’ should we miss out.

The unnamed winger evidently slots into Plan A, while Huijsen could be tough to sign without top level European football given the number of big clubs interested.