Newcastle understand their singular objective between now and the conclusion of the campaign is achieving European football, with a slim possibility of returning to the Champions League. Defeat to Sunderland at the weekend leaves the Magpies seven points adrift of Liverpool in fifth position, which is expected to be the final place for Europe’s premier competition.
Eddie Howe’s squad requires a significant overhaul this summer and the club has already been linked with numerous incoming and outgoing transfers. Inability to qualify for the Champions League would only heighten speculation surrounding the future of some of the club’s most valuable stars, with Ross Wilson and co poised for a substantial transfer window this summer.
With that in mind, Express Sport has examined the latest Newcastle transfer news and speculation in the media.
Sandro Tonali ‘agreement’
The Shields Gazette claim Sandro Tonali has an agreement in place with Newcastle to be allowed to depart St. James’ Park, should the Magpies fail to secure European football.
Champions League football appears a distant prospect for the Magpies, and the report suggests that the Conference League may not be sufficient to satisfy Tonali.
Nevertheless, if the Magpies are capable of securing Europa League football, there’s every possibility the Italian stays at Newcastle.
The club have taken lessons from last summer’s Alexander Isak transfer saga and are not willing to go through the same drama a year on.
TeamTalk claim that Newcastle are interested in a move for Arsenal defender Ben White this summer. The England international, who has dropped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, is among a number of stars who could be sold to generate funds for the Gunners.
The Magpies will have competition from Liverpool and Manchester United for his services this summer, with the 28-year-old regarded as a replacement for Kieran Trippier. White cost Arsenal £50m when they purchased him from Brighton, and the defender is said to be frustrated with his lack of game time.