For fans hoping that Eddie Howe and Newcastle might finally start targeting players outside of the Premier League, they may finally be getting their wish.

After a string of disappointing transfer sagas for the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo, it would be no surprise if we turned our attentions to the overseas market.

This could lead to us genuinely pursuing previous targets from abroad, or encourage the media to link us with any name under the sun, with the latter example a common theme as agents and selling clubs often use our name to drum up further interest.

However, if we’re serious about making a move for the midfielder in question, we may have to beat two Premier League rivals to his signature…

Newcastle in three-club battle for Lazio star?

According to reports in Italy, Newcastle United are battling two Premier League rivals for the signature of Lazio star Matteo Guendouzi.

Il Messaggero state that alongside Newcastle, North East rivals Sunderland and top-six contenders Aston Villa are also in the mix for the French international.

The 25-year-old played under Unai Emery at Arsenal and also knows Mackem boss Regis Le Bris, playing under the Frenchman during his early days with Lorient.

Guendouzi, who has enjoyed stints in Germany, France and Italy since he departed Arsenal back in 2022, is reported to be valued by Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri, who seems be keen on keeping the ex-Gunner.

With the Rome-based club having missed out on European football last season, and Guendouzi facing a tough task this season in retaining his place in the France squad ahead of the World Cup, he may be needing regular game time at the very top if he wants to figure into Didier Deschamps’ plans.

Midfielder only needed if one leaves

The issue with being linked with a player like Guendouzi is that we already have a surplus of central midfielders on the books.

Alongside the core trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, Guendouzi would have to contend with the likes of Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley for a spot in the midfield.

However, with each of the Englishmen being linked with a move elsewhere, an exit for Willock or Longstaff would open the door for a signing like Guendouzi, who would bring strong European football and international experience.

The question must also be asked: with how desperate we are for depth elsewhere on the pitch, there’s little financial sense to sign another midfielder right now.

A new right-winger, back up striker, defender and goalkeeper are essential this window, and with very little progress being made in some of those positions, it would be a major surprise to see us pursue a move for a player like Guendouzi at this stage of the window.