Newcastle United could make an early approach for a “wonderful” player in the summer transfer window, taking advantage of his current club’s financial difficulties.
The Magpies’ season finished better than many thought, with Eddie Howe getting players back to full fitness and leading his team to seventh place in the Premier League.
A new custodian appears to be the order of the day at St James’ Park, implying that Nick Pope is no longer regarded as the ideal choice between the sticks, and Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale appears to be the prime target. He and Howe know each other well, having previously worked together at Bournemouth, and it is evident that David Raya is now first choice at the Emirates.
Alexander Isak has impressed for Newcastle this season, scoring 21 goals in 27 league starts, but a new striker is needed, especially if Callum Wilson leaves the club next season. Sevilla ace Youssef En-Nesyri has been linked with a move to Newcastle after a successful season in which he scored 15 goals in La Liga.
Centre-back signings are also required for squad depth and to cover for the absences of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle, while Lloyd Kelly is anticipated to arrive from Bournemouth.
Newcastle want to sign “wonderful” player
According to a new report from Football Insider, Newcastle could make an early offer for Leicester City midfielder Kasey McAteer, and the Foxes may be forced to sell him this summer to help their financial situation. Everton and Crystal Palace are also rumoured to be interested in signing the 22-year-old, so there will be a tussle to get him.
All three clubs are “monitoring the situation” of the forward, who is out of contract at the King Power Stadium at the end of next season, indicating that now is the moment for the Foxes to cash in on him.
McAteer may be an intriguing acquisition for Newcastle, not necessarily as a big-name addition, but as a homegrown player with plenty of promise. This season, he has scored six times in the Championship, more than Harvey Barnes’ tally of five in a comparable role, playing his part in Leicester’s title success and return to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Johnnie Jackson once lauded him during a spell on loan at AFC Wimbledon, saying: “His ability is there for all to see, but he has a real versatility about him in the positions he can play. A wonderful attitude to his work. He wants to work hard and improve. When you are looking at loanees, that’s the type you want.”
The fact that Leicester are likely to be forced to sell the £5,000-a-week McAteer means that Newcastle might look into a bargain deal, especially given his contract situation, and he could be a useful squad player at St James’ Park, demonstrating capable of thriving on either flank.
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