Football Digest: Newcastle reaping rewards from transfer strategy
Newcastle’s transfer policy appears to be revealing itself as Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth plan to take the Magpies to the next level after securing a top-four finish last season. Ahead of their Champions League adventure, Newcastle appear to be targeting fringe players at their Premier League rivals that still hold plenty of promise - such as midfield target Conor Gallagher. Here, Express Sport has looked at a tantalising XI for the Magpies if they continue with their transfer tactic.
Nick Pope has emerged as one of the division’s top goalkeeper since Newcastle picked him up from a relegated Burnley side a year ago for just £12million. Though several top stoppers are on the market this summer including Manchester United duo David De Gea and Dean Henderson, it is unlikely that one will be brought in.
Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen his Newcastle squad. (Image: Getty)
Defence - Kieran Tripper, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Kieran Tierney
The one area in defence that has been tipped for improvement is at left-back, where Dan Burn has deputised ably but his future may lie at centre-back. Howe has seemingly turned to their rivals for an upgrade, as Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella have both been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
The pair could be available for around £30m each and may be the next priority signing, though whether the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea are prepared to do Newcastle a favour remains to be seen as they are now direct rivals.
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Arsenal's Kieran Tierney could make the move north to Newcastle. (Image: Getty)
Midfield - Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Conor Gallagher
Newcastle shocked the football world by pulling off a £60m deal for AC Milan star man Tonali, but could further pair him and Bruno Guimaraes with another Premier League talent. Manchester City forgotten man Kalvin Phillips has been mentioned with a move, but perhaps more likely is Gallagher.
Chelsea have been keen to offload their academy talent to help balance their books, while the Blues’ continued pursuit of midfielder additions under Mauricio Pochettino could pave the way for Gallagher to depart.
Attack - Alexander Isak, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
Newcastle could return to Arsenal and Chelsea once again to create a star-studded attack. Both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson had their injury woes, which may prompt the north-east outfit to turn to the Gunners for wantaway forward talent Folarin Balogun - who shone in France with Reims but is unlikely to stay at the Emirates.
Christian Pulisic is set to follow several of his Chelsea team-mates out the door, as he has been the subject of recent offers from AC Milan and Lyon. The American star is a long-term Newcastle target, however, and could be available for £20m which would fit in with the Magpies’ transfer ethos without breaking the bank.