Chelsea's Noni Madueke (left) and Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
Chelsea's Noni Madueke (left) and Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
The futures of two Newcastle United transfer targets will be discussed in the coming week ahead of what could be a frentic summer window. The Magpies are expected to be active in the close season as they look to take their squad to the next level.
The club have had to curb their investment in the first-team in recent windows due to PSR and FFP rules, but are confident in their financial ability to make some big moves this summer. That could be boosted further should they qualify for the Champions League, with Eddie Howe's side well placed for a top-five finish, which would ensure them a place in next season's competition.
United are already qualified for the Europa Conference League after winning the Carabao Cup, but have ten games left to seal a spot on the top five, competing with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest for the coveted place.
The Newcastle hierarchy are already identified specific areas of the squad which need strengthening, including goalkeeper, central defence and back-up striker options for Alexander Isak. One position the club have been frequently linked with is the right-side of the forward line.
Jacob Murphy has impressed in that role this season, although there is little in the way of competition for the 30-year-old, especially since Miguel Almiron's departure to Atlanta United in the January window. Two players who have been regularly linked with United are Chelsea's Noni Madueke and Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo - with both likely again to be the subject of transfer speculation this summer.
Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley is reported to be flying in the from the USA early next month to discuss the Cherries' transfers, with the futures of Semenyo, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen all high on the agenda. Bournemouth have exceeded expectations this season, but with Huijsen likely to leave - with interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool as well as Newcastle - and Kerkez also a target for the Reds, the south coast club are likely to slap a large price tag on winger Semenyo.
While Bournemouth may struggle to hold on to their top stars, they are in a strong position to demand large fees, although are reported to be unwilling to stand in any player's way if the price is right.
At Chelsea, Madueke is reported to be one of the players the club is considering selling in order to help comply with financial rules, with the Blues well stocked in the winger department. United were keen on the 23-year-old England international last summer, and could rekindle their interest this year.
He has featured regularly under Enzo Maresca, bout could fall into the 'sellable' category, with Aston Villa also linked with a move. However, interested parites would have to fork out at least £50m to land the winger. He would fit the profile of exciting young English stars which Newcastle have followed in recent years, joining the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon.