Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes a summer move for Harry Kane is a 'possibility' although he feels Manchester United is the 'more likely destination'. The ex-Magpies number one has also warned Eddie Howe's side against a move for Declan Rice, insisting the England international would not start ahead of either Bruno Guimaraes or Joelinton.
Howe has already confirmed Newcastle will target 'elite' additions in the upcoming window ahead of a return to European football. The Magpies currently sit third in the table, six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool and with a game in hand in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Rumours are already beginning to circulate over who Newcastle will target, with proven Premier League performers such as James Maddison and Kieran Tierney said to be of interest. The Magpies already have Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson at their disposal, but Hislop does not believe the prospect of a move for Kane is out of the question.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp namechecks Newcastle and doubles down on top-four verdict as Liverpool win again
The England captain will enter the final year of his contract at Tottenham this summer, with speculation mounting that Manchester United will revive their interest in the 29-year-old. Hislop does not expect Newcastle to make 'crazy signings', but does not dismiss the prospect of Kane making the move to St James' Park.
He exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: "I don't see Newcastle going out and making crazy signings this summer, bringing in a Neymar or a Kylian Mbappe or anything like that... they're going to continue spending money in the right areas, to ensure a steady growth inside the club, not in a way that's going to disrupt the dressing room in any way. I expect Newcastle to be competing for a top four spot again, while I hope they can close the gap on first-place. But above everything else, I hope that identity they've created, that exciting brand of attacking football, I hope that remains.
"Harry Kane at Newcastle? It's a possibility. First of all, I've been really disappointed with Tottenham in so many ways this season, and given everything that's gone on at the club, and the position they find themselves in right now in the table, I'd be really surprised if Harry Kane is still a Spurs player after the summer transfer window.
"Kane would be excellent at Newcastle United, of course he would. I just feel the more likely destination for him is Manchester United. They're in desperate need of an out-and-out centre-forward, and he has a great relationship and understanding with Marcus Rashford in an England shirt. I think that's the more likely move for him, but there's no question for me... you can also see him in a Newcastle shirt."
While Newcastle have not yet been linked with Harry Kane, another England international who has been tipped as a likely summer target is Declan Rice. The West Ham midfielder is expected to leave the club this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea both credited with an interest.
Newcastle continue to be linked with a move for a defensive midfielder in the upcoming window, but Hislop has warned his former side against a deal for Rice. The goalkeeper explained: "I think that his value has taken a hit as a result of a disappointing season, but the same can be said across the board in that squad. Last year, David Moyes was talking about Rice being a £150m player... I'm not sure who believed that, or who would spend that kind of money on a defensive midfielder. But I think that price has regressed somewhat this season, to maybe around the £80m mark... I think that would be a fair market value for him.
"When he looks at the highs of the last couple of seasons, compared to the disappointment of this one, I'm sure he feels that now is as good a time as ever to move to a club who'll be seriously competing for honours.
"You think of the kind of clubs who'd spend that sort of money on a defensive midfielder, and the only other one that springs to mind is Newcastle. But I don't see Declan Rice getting into that side ahead of Bruno Guimaraes or Joelinton, so it wouldn't be a fit for me."
READ NEXT
- Premier League chairman didn't object to Newcastle takeover but reveals government 'concern'
- Barcelona find an easy target in Newcastle United with Raphinha likely to lead transfer exodus
- Newcastle have already done a 'good bit of business' to sign 'sought-after giant' this summer
Newcastle to bank huge nine-figure sum as FFP sponsorship 'leverage' found and US figures soar
Newcastle training ground has exciting new features as facility is 'completely transformed'
