Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will go into the summer transfer window knowing he must be flexible after the club were dealt an FFP blow following their last gasp stumble to reach Europe.
The importance of European status had been underlined by club chiefs shortly before the run-in but as Newcastle picked up just one win from the last three games, the impact of a patchy run of form has been felt internally. It means certain contracts can’t be renewed and the emphasis of cutting cloth accordingly is even greater than before.
Nevertheless, Newcastle remain in the hunt for new stars to help take them to the business end of the table in 2024/25. Here’s a look at the players the Magpies have been linked with in recent days.
The soon to be out of contract Fulham star is by no means a new name but the centre-back is definitely considering all of his options via his agent. Newcastle continue to stay calm and won’t be drawn into brinkmanship with their wage offer for the 26-year-old Manchester-born defender unlikely to change.
Adarabioyo has been talked about as a Manchester United signing too and Chelsea’s name was dropped into the conversation yesterday. Either way, Newcastle won’t panic and only want players who are keen to pull on a black and white shirt next season.
James Trafford
The Burnley keeper would be an excellent addition at Newcastle with the England Under-21 shot-stopper a player for today and tomorrow. He is deemed a future England international after starring in the Three Lions’ Under-21 European triumph last year and he is represented by the same Stellar agency as Nick Pope.
Trafford starred for Burnley last season 28 times and the Cumbrian would be more than capable of being number 1 at Newcastle. A lot hinges on what happens next for Martin Dubravka.
A big decision on whether to hold on to the Slovakian international this summer needs to be called. With Pope fit he is not assured of number 1 status but as proved last term showed he still has something to offer.
A £20million fee has been mooted for Trafford and Burnley find themselves in a position where sales may have to be made after relegation.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The Toffees have stayed quiet on links between Newcastle and the England international. But during the Eddie Howe era on Tyneside, he is a player that has always been admired and despite his injury record, Newcastle’s backroom staff believe they could play to his strengths to get the best out of him. There has been no bid at this stage from United for Calvert-Lewin, who has a year left on his contract.
An asking price of £40million may also have to come down but Everton are under huge pressure to sell somebody in June due to the threat of further FFP punishment.
Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazil midfielder’s future remains under the microscope in the football world and Newcastle fans will be ticking off each day in June until his £100m release clause has expired. And that is going to be the test for Bruno and his agent, are they working away in the background to determine genuine interest or are they serious about keeping the midfielder where he is? On Tuesday morning a report in Goal stated that there is more interest from Man City and Arsenal.
