In what would welcome the Tyne-Wear derby back to the Premier League in style, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to hijack Sunderland's move to sign a Serie A star this summer.
Newcastle return for Elanga
They may have faced their fair share of rejection so far this summer, but Newcastle are yet to be discouraged in their pursuit to sign an attacking reinforcement. Not giving up, the Magpies have returned with a second offer to sign Anthony Elanga after Nottingham Forest rejected their first bid worth around £45m.
With Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on his way to Manchester United, it's clear to see why Newcastle have turned towards Elanga. The Swede had his best season yet last time out as Forest achieved an unthinkable European place. Now, however, he could leave the City Ground behind in favour of the Magpies.
The winger isn't the only one on Newcastle's shopping list, either. Those at St James' Park now look set to complete a deal to sign James Trafford from Burnley, welcoming a long-term target in the process.
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The Magpies are still seeking reinforcements.
The England international will compete with Nick Pope and may even displace the shot-stopper to become Eddie Howe's No.1 as the ultimate modern-day goalkeeper.
Deals for both Elanga and Trafford would represent a change in fortunes for Newcastle following earlier rejection from the likes of Joao Pedro and Mbeumo. And that swing in momentum could yet see them jump ahead of rivals Sunderland to sign an ex-Arsenal midfielder in the coming months.
Newcastle ready to sign Matteo Guendouzi
As reported by Corierre della Sera and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now ready to sign Matteo Guendouzi ahead of interest from Sunderland and meet his €50m (£43m) release clause at Lazio.
The Frenchman hasn't been seen in the Premier League since leaving Arsenal in 2022, but could now return three years later as a far more complete player courtesy of spells at Marseille and now at Lazio.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Matteo Guendouzo Joelinton
Minutes 3,270 2,393
Tackles Won 21 35
Progressive Carries 89 40
Ball Recoveries 173 149
A player who Gary Neville once described as a "leader", Guendouzi could push Joelinton all the way for a starting place at Newcastle and offer Howe the depth he has been craving in doing so.
As the Magpies step back into the Champions League next season, it's the type of depth that Newcastle simply must add to their side this summer. It's also depth that they failed to sign the last time they were in the Champions League, resulting in an early exit and a finish outside the Premier League's top four.
Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi
Signing Guendouzi would go a long way towards solving that problem all whilst getting one over on Sunderland.