Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Newcastle United can all-but secure their place in next season's Champions League with a win against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Eddie Howe's side travel down to the Emirates Stadium looking to cement their place in the Premier League top-five and put themselves on the verge of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition.
Ahead of Newcastle's trip to north London, they sit third, one point behind second-place Arsenal and one point above Manchester City in fourth. Although it's still very tight in the race for the Champions League, the Magpies know they need just four more points to guarantee a top-five place.
One win from their remaining two fixtures is expected to be enough due to Newcastle's superior goal difference, but Howe won't be taking anything for granted. He will be eager for his team to go out and win both matches, and finish as high in the Premier League as they can - with second place still in sight.
While Newcastle's immediate focus is on the Premier League, the club no doubt have one eye on the summer transfer window. Howe is desperate to strengthen his squad as they prepare for some form of European football next season. With this in mind, Chronicle Live take a look at the latest from St James' Park...
Guehi blow
Newcastle United target Marc Guehi is prepared to run down his Crystal Palace contract to land a dream move to Real Madrid or Barcelona next summer, according to The Sun. The 24-year-old has a year left on his deal at Selhurst Park and the Magpies are among a host of potential Premier League suitors.
It's claimed that Newcastle are the favourites to land Guehi this summer, but he could run down the final 12 months of his contract in order to seal a move to La Liga in 2026. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both keeping an eye on Guehi, who is not against the idea of leaving Palace for a Spanish outfit.
CHRON says: For me, Newcastle need to push to sign Marc Guehi this summer before Real Madrid and Barcelona get involved. The Magpies must strengthen at centre-back if they want to compete at the top end of the Premier League and in the Champions League next season, and Guehi is someone they should target.
The England international has all the attributes needed to become an elite Premier League defender for years to come. He is strong, quick, good in the air and has excellent defensive qualities. He would be able to slot straight into the centre of Newcastle's defence alongside currently the sidelined Sven Botman or Fabian Schar next season.
Targett exit
Newcastle United have made it clear to Matt Targett that he can leave the club this summer, it has been reported. The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at St James' Park, and he no longer has a future at the club.
Targett is said to be earning £100,000 per-week and Newcastle need to offload him due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. Leeds United were linked with a move for Targett, who has one year left on his contract, in January, while Brentford, Southampton and Leicester City are understood to be interested.
CHRON says: Targett is someone Newcastle have go to sell in the summer if they want to move forward and improve the squad. He is taking up a large chunk of their wage budget and they would do harm by getting rid of the ex-Aston Villa and Fulham defender for good.
If Newcastle can sell Targett and replace him with someone who is capable of competing Lewis Hall for a first-team place, then that would be ideal. Should that not be possible, the Magpies should then target a younger left-back and a player for the long-term future instead.