With Newcastle United entering their most important summer transfer window since the PIF takeover, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has outlined several players under consideration across multiple positions.
The club’s main and obvious priority remains signing a new goalkeeper, and Waugh reports that Newcastle continue to admire long-term target and current Man City goalie James Trafford.
“Newcastle’s long-term admiration of James Trafford is well documented, and their interest remains,” Waugh wrote.
However,
Waugh warned that signing the England international could prove difficult because of the cost involved and competition from rival clubs.
Other goalkeepers being monitored, per Waugh, include Bart Verbruggen, Robin Risser and Ewen Jaouen, with the latter viewed as a developmental option rather than an immediate starter. With Nick Pope aging disgracefully and no other backup option in tow, that sounds risky, to say the least.
“If Newcastle sign the 20-year-old, it will likely be alongside the acquisition of a more senior shot-stopper,” he wrote.
Defensively, Newcastle are still tracking Serie A’s Giorgio Scalvini, who has been on their radar for an extended period but had fallen a bit off the radar late.
“At centre-half, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini has long been followed,” Waugh reported.
According to Waugh, the Magpies also rate Jacobo Ramon, while full-back options include Joaquin Seys and Dayann Methalie, both of whom featured in internal discussions earlier this year.
Midfield targets could become increasingly important depending on departures, with Bruno and Sandro Tonali ever linked to moves away from Tyneside. Waugh reported that Newcastle have watched Victor Froholdt, while Lamine Camara and Kevin Danois have also been discussed and are increasingly popping up in the rumor mill.
The club previously explored a move for Kees Smit, although Waugh believes Newcastle expect him to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs, as we all did from the get-go.
Moving up the lineup, Waugh revealed that Eddie Howe remains an admirer of Jarrod Bowen in case Newcastle try to chase a Premier League-proven forward to replace the departed Anthony Gordon. However, a deal currently appears unlikely with Bowen preferring a more alluring destination.
Knowing that, Newcastle are reportedly monitoring several other wingers from across Europe, including Bazoumana Toure, Said El Mala and Abde Ezzalzouli.
