The very latest Newcastle United transfer news, rumours and opinion - from St James' Park and beyond
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Jarell Quansah
Newcastle United look to have missed out on Jarell Quansah
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United are preparing for a demanding season with Champions League football on the horizon - and manager Eddie Howe will be hoping to add depth and quality to his squad before the Premier League kicks off.
With an opening-day trip to Villa Park pencilled in, the summer transfer window represents a crucial opportunity for Howe to reshape his side for the challenges ahead, both domestically and in Europe.
Plenty of names have been linked to St James’ Park - both incoming and outgoing - and ChronicleLive have picked two of the biggest headlines surrounding the club right now.
Jarell Quansah agrees deal
Newcastle look to have missed out on one of their defensive targets after Jarell Quansah agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Liverpool centre-back is set to join the Bundesliga champions in a £30 million deal.
The news comes as a double setback for the Magpies. Not only have they lost a reported transfer target, but Liverpool - now further boosted by Quansah’s sale - continue to be linked with a major move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Despite having already splashed £100 million on Florian Wirtz, the Premier League champions are yet to be fazed by Newcastle’s £150 million valuation of the Swedish forward. No formal bid has been made, but Liverpool are understood to be big admirers of the 25-year-old.
With Quansah off the table, Howe will now have to turn to alternative defensive options as he looks to strengthen his back line ahead of a congested season.
Nick Pope shows loyalty
Nick Pope
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has been the subject of transfer interest
Despite speculation about his future and Newcastle’s growing interest in Burnley keeper James Trafford, Nick Pope has no intention of leaving the club.
According to TBR Football, the England international remains committed to St James’ Park, even as Eddie Howe weighs up options for improvement in goal.
“It’s not that Howe doesn’t love Pope,” journalist Graeme Bailey explained. “He just thinks they can improve in that area. When you become title challengers, it’s about the 1% or 2% gains.”
Trafford was one of the Championship’s standout performers last season, keeping 29 clean sheets in a Burnley side that conceded just 16 goals en route to promotion. The Clarets have placed a £40 million price tag on the 21-year-old, which remains the key obstacle in any deal moving forward.
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