With a trophy now secured (I still get giddy typing that), Newcastle’s focus will now turn to our pursuit of Champions League football via the league.

But, in the background, our recruitment team and sporting director Paul Mitchell will be stepping up our plans for what promises to be a massive summer transfer window.

Several signings are expected to arrive in a mini overhaul of Eddie Howe’s ageing squad and one area we’re fully expected to upgrade is at centre-back, where links to two names just aren’t going away.

Cherries duo eyed up

Fabian Schar may be set for a new deal, but a centre-back WILL sign this summer and Howe could be shopping at his former club, it seems.

As revealed by Mark Douglas at the i, Newcastle continue to take a close look at Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, who have both been sensational as the Cherries themselves eye European football next season.

Douglas reports that our interest in Huijsen – who has a £50m release clause in his contract – is “serious”, although it seems there is a long list of Premier League and overseas suitors for the recently called up Spanish international.

Zabarnyi also remains on our radar, with the Ukrainian impressing as he kept Alexander Isak quiet in their 4-1 win at St James’ Park earlier this year.

Tough competition for the Toon

Discussing both centre-backs and Huijsen in particular, Douglas wrote: “They would face competition from Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid for the 19-year-old (Huijsen), who has a £50m release clause. Cherries teammate Illian Zabarnyi is another on Newcastle’s radar.”

The release clause will make a player of Huijsen’s age, potential and immense talent hugely desirable, making the lure of Champions League football all the more vital if we wish to attract the former Juventus talent.