It looks like it'll be a busy summer at St James' Park for Newcastle, with two huge sales already going through and a battle to bring in replacements
Newcastle have been linked with Christian Kofane.
Newcastle have been linked with Christian Kofane.(Image: Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen starlet Christian Kofane, according to BILD. The Magpies are closing in on their first addition of the summer as Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Toure completes the formalities ahead of a move.
The German outlet has claimed that Eddie Howe's side are keeping their glare on the Bundesliga with the 19-year-old attracting attention. Kofane, who only signed for Leverkusen 12 months ago for €5.25million, is said to have the prospect of being valued in the region of €100million (£85m) after five goals and four assists during his debut season.
Mikel Arteta's side have previously been credited with interest for the Cameroon forward with his agent Eric Depolo citing that the Premier League champions' interest was "serious" as his client's attributes were talked up.
BILD say that Leverkusen have no intention of selling after 12 months in North Rhine-Westphalia. However, Leverkusen's policy means that no player is unsellable, so if an £85million bid was lodged then the hierarchy at the German club would see their interests piqued.
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It's a big summer for Newcastle with Howe looking to guide the North East club back to the Champions League after finishing outside the top half last term.
Toure is likely not to be the only arrival to be welcomed by the Gallowgate this summer, as the Chronicle understands that the club are looking to complete moves in four departments.
A right-back, midfielder, another forward and a senior goalkeeper are all expected to arrive, but Newcastle are remaining cautious on all deals until the ink signed along the dotted line is dry.
Nick Pope's future remains unclear with clarity likely during pre-season, while Odysseas Vlachodimos has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan, landing a seven-figure fee. But the recruitment focus at St James' Park will be on rebuilding with the funds retained from Sandro Tonali's big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur.
For Newcastle, the aim will be building a squad for the future, with age and profile of player a factor in their summer targets. Kofane would fit the bill as he turns 20 at the end of July. But the £85million fee could be a stumbling block as it currently doesn't fit under the 'high potential' youngsters bracket that could enter the fray for below £50million.
As a result, a new club record transfer this summer is unlikely to be shattered after the £69million arrival of Nick Woltemade. Newcastle are always open to a sale of financial significance like Tonali and Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona, which will allow them to reinvest.
This summer, they have already suffered a setback in the market after Victor Munoz snubbed a move in favour of a switch to Liverpool.
The Magpies had been favourites to land his services after reaching an agreement but he opted for the North West to unite with fellow Spaniard, Andoni Iraola.