Newcastle United will look to strengthen their squad in a number of areas when the transfer window reopens this summer. Eddie Howe is hopeful of adding a number of players to his ranks after three transfer windows where they have been quiet.
Newcastle's hitlist will include a move for a right-sided centre-half to provide competition for fabian Schar, given Jamaal Lascelles' injury problems. They will also look to bring in a new goalkeeper, with James Trafford top of the shopping list.
Higher up the pitch, United will certainly sign a right-winger after Miguel Almiron's exit in January left just Jacob Murphy as a specialist in that position. And through the middle, another striker to provide support and competition for Alexander Isak is required, regardless of whether Callum Wilson stays at the club.
The most settled area of the pitch is midfield, where tremendous trio Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are certain starters. The three players are among the best in the league in their position, as they demonstrated in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, dominating the centre of the park as United ended their trophy drought in style.
Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock offer excellent back-up options, with [Miley in particular predicted for a bright future](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lewis-miley-celebrates-newcastle-united-31239295). It means a competitive area for the Magpies and one that isn't a priority for strengthening this summer.
However, doubts over the future of Longstaff and Willock could change that. Longstaff, in particular, has been linked with a summer exit after slipping down the pecking order this season, having been an almost guaranteed starter in the last two seasons. The North Tynesider has just 12 months left on his contract and the [likes of Everton have been credited with an interest.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sean-longstaff-could-set-emotional-30895606)
Should Newcastle decide to cash in on either Longstaff or Willock this summer - both would fetch a fee of around £30million and provide a PSR boost, particularly Longstaff as a homegrown player - Newcastle may be forced into adding another midfielder to their ranks.
One player they have watched in recent months is Lille's Angel Gomes. The former Manchester United youngster is out of contract in the summer and as a free agent, is being monitored by a number of clubs, with United having scouted a series of Lille games this season, while sporting director has great contacts in Ligue 1 from his time at Monaco.
The lack of a transfer fee - along with his playmaking abilities which saw him make his England debut under Lee Carsley - makes Gomes an attractive proposition for a number of clubs, including Newcastle. However, his contract status means he is able to demand a higher salary given he won't cost anything.
Gomes is believed to have snubbed a move to West Ham United this week after rejecting a £100,000-a-week contract. Gomes is believed to have a number of offers on the table and West ham's package is understood to be 'nowhere near' by sources close to the player.
The 24-year-old is believed to be looking for significantly more than that, but is also reported to be keen to return to the Premier League in a bid to regain his place in the England squad in a World Cup year. Gomes wasn't included in Thomas Tuchel's first squad, with veteran Jordan Henderson handed a shock recall instead.
Newcastle have experience of negotiations with free agents, having signed Lloyd Kelly last summer after his contract with Bournemouth expired, and while they have a wage structure in place, they won't be scared of offering Gomes a bumper deal if they make a move.
While the Magpies will have more wiggle room this summer after more than £70million is wiped off their PSR numbers, Paul Mitchell's transfer budget will also be dependent on whether they qualify for the Champions League. Newcastle are guaranteed European football next season, with their Carabao Cup win seeing them enter the Conference League, but Champions League football could be worth around £40m to the club - as well as making them a more enticing prospect for potential signings like Gomes' Lille teammate Jonathan David, who is also available on a free transfer this summer.
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