Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is on Newcastle United's radar according to reports
Newcastle United won't have to wait much longer for the summer transfer window to reopen on June 1 as they look to strengthen four areas of the team.
Those areas are the right-hand side of central defence, a right winger, central striker and goalkeeper. However, due to this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, there will be two transfer windows.
The first window will close on Tuesday, June 10, before reopening on Monday, June 16 and remaining open until Deadline Day on Monday, September 1. On the pitch, Newcastle are aiming to secure a return to the Champions League once again.
A return to the prestigious competition would undoubtedly boost their ability to attract top-tier talent and with that said, ChronicleLive has taken a look at the latest Newcastle headlines.
Newcastle scout Borussia Dortmund duo
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have sent scouts to watch Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and winger Jamie Gittens in recent weeks.
James Trafford is reportedly the Magies' top 'keeper target with it being clear that they want to sign a new stopper. With Burnley being promoted, though, Trafford is expected to cost a substantial fee. That is why Newcastle have been considering alternatives to add to their transfer shortlist and Kobel boasts Champions League experience as well as being a team-mate of Magpies defender Fabian Schar at international level with Switzerland.
As for Gittens, he is also a target for a number of Premier League teams including Chelsea and Arsenal. His release clause will apparently fall from £50m if Dortmund fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Chronicle Live says: "It’s encouraging to see Newcastle working proactively behind the scenes to position themselves for early success in the transfer market. Gregor Kobel has been a standout for Borussia Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and Champions League. At 27, he is entering his prime and has already demonstrated his quality against top-level opposition.
"As for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, he is considered one of England’s most promising young talents. Signing him would represent a smart investment in Newcastle’s future. His pace and flair would bring a fresh dynamic to Eddie Howe’s attacking options, offering something different from the current wide players."
Antoine Semenyo fee emerges
Bournemouth reportedly value winger Antoine Semenyo at over £70m, with the i Paper claiming there is no release clause in his contract. Semenyo has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has openly acknowledged that some high-profile players are likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
"I think there will be changes in the summer," he told The Sports Agents podcast. "Yes, probably some players will leave. We will try to keep as many as we can, especially the ones that have performed so well. But the club has to be ready for these movements."
Chronicle Live says: " Despite the hefty price tag, Semenyo’s breakout season on the south coast suggests his trajectory is firmly on the rise. If he maintains this form, Newcastle could potentially make a healthy profit in the future. His pace, strength, and versatility - being able to play both as a central striker and out wide - would offer Howe valuable flexibility in attack.
"However, Newcastle may have more pressing needs elsewhere in the squad, such as a top-class centre-back, a defensive midfielder, or a backup goalkeeper, as previously mentioned. In that context, spending such a substantial sum on a wide forward or second striker might not be the most strategic use of funds."