Newcastle United have several areas to address this summer after a lack of investment in Eddie Howe’s first team over the past three windows.

One position almost certain to be addressed is at centre-back, where Fabian Schar needs fresh competition despite recently signing a new one-year extension.

A two-footed target with huge potential and Premier League experience is thought to be high on our wishlist, but it seems we’re facing intense competition from a ‘big six’ rival.

Chelsea new favourites to land £50m target?

According to reports today, Chelsea are now in pole position to land one of Newcastle’s top defensive targets this summer.

The Independent report that the Blues are now leading the racee to land Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, with the club pushing to land the 19-year-old before this summer’s Club World Cup.

Huijsen has a £50m release clause in his contract and it’s thought he is ‘seriously considering’ a move to Stamford Bridge.

The report states that Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal are all keen and in the mix, but it’s Chelsea who are willing to offer a lucrative package over a seven-year contract.

However, in news that may boost Newcastle’s hopes, the same piece claims that Real Madrid are no longer likely to pursue Huijsen, despite the defender publicly talking up his interest in a move to the Spanish giants.

Final five games could be key?

With the Champions League places for 2025/26 yet to be decided, you’d hope Huijsen waits until the end of the season to make a decision on his future as clubs queue up to activate that £50m buyout clause.

Chelsea will no doubt throw money at the teenager, but if we beat the Blues to a top five spot, it could be a huge advantage in our favour.

An offer of Champions League football seems key to our hopes – the same could be said about Matheus Cunha – making our home clash with Chelsea on May 11th all the more vital.