Eddie Howe keen on four England talents with plan to reduce ageing squad - The Times

The Times have named a number of domestic talents on Eddie Howe's radar this summer.

In a piece on potential ins and outs on Tyneside, North East reporter Martin Hardy reveals that Newcastle have shown interest in Liverpool centre-back Jarreall Quansah, Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey, Coventry midfielder Jack Rudoni and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

He is one of the few local journalists who has commented on our interest in Espanyol stopper Joan Garcia, with much of the noise coming from Spain. However, reports yesterday suggest he is heading to Barcelona.

Hardy also reveals that Newcastle are determined to lower the age of their squad this summer, suggesting the majority of our summer signings will be aged 24 and under.

Alongside Quansah (22), Ramsey (24), Trafford (22) and Rudoni (23), Marc Guehi (24) fits that bill, although The Times have stressed that Newcastle will not be spending £60m-plus on the Crystal Palace captain, who is now approaching the final 12 months of his contract.

Chelsea and Liverpool are also showing interest in the Eagles centre-back, who would help reduce the average age of a defence that currently features 34-year-old Kieran Trippier and 33-year-old duo Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.

In goal, all of our five options - Pope, Dubravka, Vlachodimos, Ruddy and Gillespie - are well into their 30s, which again explains why a young shot-stopper like Trafford could appeal, along with his ball-playing abilities.

The same is true in attack, where a 33-year-old Callum Wilson is likely to depart. Newcastle attempted to replace him with Liam Delap, 22, but were beaten to a £30m deal by Chelsea.