Newcastle and Eddie Howe are bracing themselves for a hectic summer transfer window. Following a frustrating campaign, the Magpies will be keen to finish the season on a high and secure a place in European competition next year. That will have a significant bearing on Newcastle’s summer transfer activity, both in arrivals and departures. Several of their most influential players have been linked with exits from St. James’ Park.
Howe has already dismissed any transfer speculation surrounding club captain Bruno Guimaraes, while the likes of Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have all been touted with potential moves elsewhere. Nevertheless, Newcastle themselves are expected to be busy in the market, with new sporting director Ross Wilson poised to put his stamp on the club during his first summer at the helm.
With this in mind, Express Sport has examined the most recent transfer news and speculation throughout the international break.
He suggests Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal are both keeping tabs on Tonali’s circumstances. The Italian was reportedly offered to the Gunners during the January transfer window.
Romano said: “One of the names very high on their [Manchester United] shortlist is Sandro Tonali. Tonali has been excellent recently, scoring for Italy against Northern Ireland and performing very well for Newcastle United. Newcastle also expect potential movement around him this summer.
“It is important to note that Manchester United have already made contact with Tonali’s camp to be informed about his situation. There is still no agreement, no negotiation stage yet, but the interest is real and consistent.
“Tonali appreciates the idea of returning to a bigger European stage if all parties align, so this one will be worth keeping an eye on. There is also interest from Arsenal, confirmed, but again nothing advanced there either. For Italian clubs, including Juventus, the deal would be financially almost impossible.
“The best chance of keeping Tonali, would be qualifying for the European football, with the club playing down any talk of a gentleman’s agreement that would allow him to leave.”
Newcastle eye ‘£52m man as Tonali replacement’
Calciomercato claim that French midfielder Kephren Thuram will be allowed to leave Juventus in the summer for a reported fee of £52m should the Old Lady fail to secure Champions League qualification.
The report suggests Manchester United and Liverpool are monitoring the former Nice star closely, while Newcastle are also referenced as a potential destination.
The 25-year-old has been an integral player at Juventus since his transfer to the Serie A.