The Magpies are keen to bring the best young talent to the club, with plenty on show in Slovakia
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Cristhian Mosquera
Ryan Flamingo, Castello Lukeba and Cristhian Mosquera
When it comes to transfers, Newcastle United's blueprint is clear - and it has so far paid off. Eddie Howe and Co have targetted some of the best young talent around, with the likes of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman signed with the best years of their career well ahead of them.
Even more established stars such as Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak were still in the early stages of their careers when they arrived at St James' Park, and it's a policy that is likely to continue this summer.
United have again been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, with a right-sided centre-back high on the agenda in the transfer window.
However, with the U21 EUROs in full swing in Slovakia, you can be sure the United scouting network is scouring the tournament for any under-the-radar stars. With that in mind, here are five young defenders Newcastle could turn to as a cut-price alternative.
Cristhian Mosquera
The Spanish youngster will come up against England in the quarter-finals having featured in two group games so far. He's still only 20, but he has played 90 times for Valencia after making his debut in 2021.
Mosquera is known for his pace and physical style, and has already been linked with a move to Inter Milan, who are looking to replace Yann Bisseck. Liverpool and Leipzig have also been credited with interest in the defender, who could cost around €30m.
Castello Lukeba
Portugal's forward Carlos Borges (R) and France's defender Castello Lukeba
Portugal's forward Carlos Borges (R) and France's defender Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig defender Lukeba is fast becoming a star in the Bundesliga and is impressing for France U21s this summer. The 22-year-old is left-footed but can play on either side of the back line.
Another to be linked with Liverpool, who are also on the lookout for a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk, Lukeba's pricetag is likely to be a little higher, with talk of a £75m bid needed to prise him away from ther German club.
Chrislain Matsima
Chrislain Matsima of France
Chrislain Matsima of France
Another French star, Matsima made 30 Bundesliga appearances for Augsburg last season, after making a loan move from Monaco permanent.
The 23-year-old was nominated for the 'rookie of the season' award in Germany, missing out to Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. He was part of the French team under Thierry Henry at the 2024 Olympics.
Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah of England
England U21 defender Jarell Quansah(Image: Image Photo Agency, Getty Images)
Newcastle have had an interest in the Liverpool defender for some time, although it appears that Bayer Leverkusen are ready to make a move.
He will be allowed to leave Anfield if a suitable bid comes in as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his options for their title defence.
Quansah is on duty with England U21 in Slovakia and is said to be keen to find regular first-team football next season.
Ryan Flamingo
William Osula of Denmark is challenged by Ryan Flamingo of the Netherlands
William Osula of Denmark is challenged by Ryan Flamingo of the Netherlands
PSV defender Flamingo has plenty of experience even at the young age of 22. He scored three times for the Dutch side in last season's Champions League, including against Juventus.
He has just completed his first season in the Eredivisie with PSV after joining Italian side Sassuolo in 2021. He had loan spells at Vitesse and Utrecht before a permanent move to Eindhoven.