Here is your latest 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Maguire claim
Newcastle United are reportedly in the market for a centre-back this summer, despite the impressive form of both Sven Botman and Fabian Schar so far this season. Now, the Magpies along with West Ham have been named by Teamtalk as 'early contenders' to sign Harry Maguire this summer.
The Manchester United captain has lost his starting spot under Erik ten Hag, although he did keep his place at international level as England reached the World Cup quarter final. Summer signing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have emerged as the preferred partnership for the Red Devils, with Luke Shaw at times moving infield from left-back to cover the role.
Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs linked with Maguire, with the Carabao Cup winners said to have put the 30-year-old up for sale. St James' Park is listed as a potential destination, with a loan-to-buy option cited as a possibility due to the former Leicester City star's high wages.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe lifts lid on Bruno Guimaraes desire amid Chelsea and Manchester City transfer interest
Wirtz setback
Newcastle United have suffered a major blow to their hopes of landing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in the summer transfer window after it's been reported he now prefers a move to Barcelona. The 19-year-old has been 'seduced' by the La Liga club after they spoke with his father, but the Spanish giants have asked him to hold off on making any sudden moves in the meantime, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
It's believed the youngster has been on the Toon's radar for a number of years now. Wirtz has appeared just 11 times this season after returning from an ACL injury in January, but has already racked up two goals and six assists across the Bundesliga and Europa League.
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