Here are the latest Newcastle United transfer rumours on Saturday, May 21.
Toon-linked striker unwilling to sacrifice Champions League football
A striker is understood to be high on the list of priorities at Newcastle in the summer and Darwin Nunez has been tipped as one of those who could satisfy Eddie Howe’s need for another number nine. However, before his staggering price tag even comes into consideration, it looks to be a non-starter.
The Daily Mail have reported that he has shut down a potential £68m move to Manchester United because he wants to play in the Champions League, also ruling out a Tyneside switch in the process. It may also come as a blow to Arsenal who were linked with the Benfica striker as they look as though they too will miss out on the top four.
Newcastle willing to compete for McKennie signing
Weston McKennie continues to be a player linked with a big-money move away from Juventus this summer. Plenty of rumours have claimed that a Premier League move could be in the offing for the USMNT star.
Read more: James Tarkowski has chance to impress Newcastle United in possible transfer audition
The latest of those rumours, courtesy of Tutto Juve, has stated that Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are all interested in luring him from Turin. All three English sides are said to be willing to part with as much as €40m for the 23-year-old central midfielder.
Howe provides update on Targett’s future and Henderson links
Having secured Premier League status a few weeks ago, plenty of focus on Tyneside has switched to the upcoming summer transfer window. Dean Henderson is one of the players being firmly linked with a Newcastle switch but Eddie Howe was quick to shut down rumours stating the deal is 99% done.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Burnley trip on the final day, he said: “We’re not close to signing anyone at this moment in time. That’s far from the truth.”
He also commented on the future of Matt Targett who could be signed permanently for £15m this summer after impressing on loan since January. Howe added: “I’ll be sitting down with all my players and discussing the future – and I’ll be doing the same with Matt.
“I think it's only right that we get the season out of the way first, let him concentrate on the games and then we’ll discuss things. He’s been outstanding. I think the biggest compliment I can pay to any loan player is, for me, I view him as an integral member of the squad.
“His attitude, conduct, performances and consistency have been at the highest level. We really, really like him. He’s gelled with the squad.”
