TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Newcastle United have set their sights on Marseille winger Jonathan Rowe.
The Magpies will be playing Champions League football next term after finishing in the Premier League’s top five on the final day of the season.
It has been predicted that Newcastle could earn upwards of £30million in the Champions League next season.
This, combined with the prestige of playing in Europe’s premier club competition, will make the Magpies more appealing for transfer targets.
TBR Football can also reveal what Newcastle boss Eddie Howe thinks of Rowe and what his plans are for the Magpies’ front line over the summer.
Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images
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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hugely appreciates Jonathan Rowe
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Newcastle are looking to bring Jonathan Rowe back to England.
The former Norwich City winger joined French giants Marseille last summer, initially on loan but with an obligation to become permanent that has since gone through.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a very good season at Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi – but he could now be heading back across the Channel.
TBR Football understands that Rowe was a target for Newcastle prior to his move to France and is a player that Howe hugely appreciates.
Now Howe is looking to add a couple more forward options to his squad this summer, and that includes Alexander Isak staying.
If the Sweden international was to leave, that would mean even more reinforcements.
We can confirm that Newcastle have also done work and hugely appreciate Rowe’s teammate Luis Henrique.
However, it is the former Norwich man that Newcastle are eyeing closely.
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What Jonathan Rowe could bring to Newcastle
Rowe came through the ranks at Norwich and quickly made a name for himself as one of the best young forwards in English football.
The 22-year-old made 56 appearances for Norwich, registering 13 goals and five assists, before sealing a move to Marseille last summer.
Rowe has made 30 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, registering three goals and four assists.
Statistic Per 90 Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals 0.33 72
Shots Total 4.01 99
Assists 0.33 87
Shot-Creating Actions 4 71
Pass Completion % 80.10% 74
Progressive Passes 3.46 42
Progressive Carries 3.35 52
Successful Take-Ons 2.23 81
Touches In Opposition Penalty Area 6.13 85
Progressive Passes Received 10.71 85
Tackles 1.67 79
Aerials Won 0.78 74
Some of Jonathan Rowe’s strongest traits over the past 365 days (FBRef)
The England Under-21 winger has been likened to former Newcastle United ace Ruel Fox, and he could now be following in his footsteps.
Shane Duffy said of Rowe last year, as per Pinkun: “Give him a ball like that in that position (the halfway line), and he will do the rest.
“He’s shown that since the start of the season when he picked up the ball on the halfway line and found the top corner.
“Jonny has got that bit of magic for us. He can win us games, and that’s what you need at this level to be successful.”