Newcastle have NINE-MAN transfer list including Chelsea trio and Anthony Gordon.. and could let five players go
NEWCASTLE UNITED have a NINE-MAN transfer list which includes some major Premier League stars, it has been revealed.
The Magpies have set about a renaissance following their acquisition by a Saudi Arabian backed Public Investment Fund in October 2021.
Following the appointment of Eddie Howe and investment of more than £200million in the transfer market, Newcastle have gone from battling relegation to being well within the top four race in the space of a year.
Despite big outlays on the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, the likes of football director Dan Ashworth are not satisfied with the state of the squad.
Consequently club chiefs have drawn up a nine-man shortlist of targets.
According to The Telegraph, the club’s aim is to upgrade their midfield and winger options, while also finding a good cover option for Kieran Trippier at right-back.
Chelsea trio, Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – who was spotted back in training ahead of the clash against Liverpool – are among those on their radar.
Everton starlet Anthony Gordon remains on the club’s list after seeing a bid rejected in the summer, with the Toffees even rejecting a £60m offer from Chelsea for his services.
However, with the looming threat of relegation, Everton may soon be forced into a sale.
James Maddison is another star the club have retained an interest in, while Leicester team-mate Youri Tielemans has emerged as a target with his contract expiring in the summer.
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Wolves captain Ruben Neves is another name on the list of targets to improve the club’s engine room, though they would need to ward off interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
At United, Scott McTominay is an option but a move depends on whether Erik ten Hag would allow him to leave and join a top four rival.
In terms of cover for Trippier, Newcastle have joined Arsenal in the race for Ivan Fresneda.
The Real Valladolid star has enjoyed a breakout season in La Liga, and reports have indicated the club are willing to sanction a sale worth between £12m to £15m.
However, Newcastle will not be able to make any plays in the market without first shifting pieces of the current squad.
The imminent loan of Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest is the first indication of movement in the window for Newcastle.
Howe is also understood to be willing to sanction transfers for Ryan Fraser, Karl Darlow, Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis.
The likes of Jamaal Lascelles have attracted interest, but Howe does not want to lose the club captain’s presence in the dressing room despite a lack of game time this season.
Newcastle are looking to strengthen their Champions League bid on Saturday when they visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with top four rivals Man Utd facing a tough trip to the Emirates to play league leaders Arsenal.