‘Two names to watch very closely’ – Newcastle hoping to sign two England talents?

After consecutive windows without a major first team signing, this summer is shaping up to be one of the biggest in the recent history of Newcastle United.

Speculation has been rife over who we’re looking to sign, from the Premier League’s most in-demand players to hidden gems from abroad.

And according to a certain North East journalist, fans should be paying close attention to two players in particular over the coming months.

Two long-term targets ones to watch

Writing in his weekly Newcastle Confidential column, The Mail’s Craig Hope reports that a goalkeeper and right-sided centre back are considered absolute musts this summer, with the budget available for a new right-winger likely to be determined by which European competition we qualify for.

And with the club seemingly set on who they’re planning to go for, Hope has highlighted two English talents as ‘ones to watch very closely’ this window.

He wrote: ‘I’m told that a goalkeeper and right-sided centre back will be priority targets no matter what. James Trafford and Guehi are two names I would watch very closely.

‘After that, the right winger could become a question of budget, depending on which European competition the club are playing in.’

Trafford has been widely touted as a Toon signing just waiting to happen, although it remains to be seen if his performances and promotion back to the top flight with Burnley will complicate his potential arrival.

Guehi, 24, is a more interesting one to consider: about to enter the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace, a move away from Selhurst Park is looking very likely in the upcoming window.

However, the saga that unfolded last summer with Steve Parish and Palace may have left a sour taste in the mouth of the club’s executive figures.

On Guehi, Hope added: ‘Marc Guehi is still on the radar, for sure. The player has a decision to make given he can leave Crystal Palace for a free in 2026. But if a reasonable fee can be negotiated, I’d expect Newcastle to be back at the table for him.

‘He would not have forgotten how keen Howe was to sign him last summer, and the defender will know that, under Newcastle’s coaches, he is likely to improve.’

How essential is Champions League qualification?

Hope also offered some interesting insight into the club’s current mentality over the upcoming summer window, claiming positions and leading targets have been ‘more or less’ decided; whether it’s the Champions League or Europa League for Newcastle next season.

He said: ‘What I have been told is that the club more or less know what they want to do now – positions and names within those areas. That will not change depending on Champions League or Europa League, but the ability to make it all happen will do.’

Of course, Champions League qualification will make things that little bit easier us in terms of transfer activity, but it’s assuring to hear just how planned out and meticulous our strategy is at such a crucial time to develop and bolster the squad.

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2 thoughts on “‘Two names to watch very closely’ – Newcastle hoping to sign two England talents?

  1. I believe he’ll go for considerably more than £30 million and there will be more than one club willing to pay £40 million plus. But like you I’d rather we looked elsewhere, he’s a decent defender and passes the ball well but he’s not that great in the air.

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