Newcastle United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Newcastle are ready to make two moves in the transfer market (Picture: Getty)
Newcastle United are in ‘pole position’ to sign two Premier League stars ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea, according to reports.
The Magpies are ready to back Eddie Howe in the transfer market following a superb season in which Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League and the division’s strong UEFA co-efficient meant that was enough to secure a return to the Champions League next season.
Howe’s side also won the Carabao Cup – beating Premier League champions Liverpool in the final – to end a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Speaking after the final day of the Premier League season, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes stressed the need for new signings as the club look to compete in Europe and consolidate their status as a top-six side.
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According to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle are ready to make their first moves in the summer transfer market with bids for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Mbeumo, 25, enjoyed another impressive season at Brentford, with his form attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier League
Bryan Mbeumo has thrived at Brentford (Picture: Getty)
United reportedly opened talks with Brentford over a deal for the Cameroon international last week but the Telegraph claim Newcastle are in ‘pole position’ to reach an agreement.
Ruben Amorim’s focus is currently on bringing Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford, with United ready to activate his £62.5m release clause at Wolves.
Guehi, meanwhile, was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park last summer but ended up staying at Palace and helping the Eagles enjoy a fantastic campaign.
Oliver Glasner’s side recovered from a difficult start to the season to finish 12th, while they beat Manchester City in the final to lift the FA Cup.
Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his Newcastle squad (Picture: Getty)
Guehi has attracted interest from Manchester United and his former club Chelsea but Newcastle are keen to make him one of their first signings of the summer.
Speaking last week, Howe urged his bosses to get cracking on signings as he also targets a new goalkeeper to replace Nick Pope and striker to support Alexander Isak.
‘Speed is key for us,’ the Newcastle manager said. ‘I’ve reiterated that many times internally.
‘Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Marc Guehi celebrates after Crystal Palace win the FA Cup (Picture: Getty)
‘That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period where you think you’ve got time, but then you can look around very quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won’t get again.
‘That’s what we’ll be trying, but obviously the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands. But we’ll be doing our best to do things early.’
Guimaraes insists Newcastle have ‘improved a lot’ and are ‘very happy’ with their season but fears the squad will be ‘a little bit short’ next season if the necessary signings are not secured.
‘We have improved a lot, but I think we’re not at the level that I want,’ the Brazil international said.
‘I think for next season, we are going to need more players to be honest with you because I think the squad is a little bit short.
‘We have seen it last year when we played in the Champions League, we lost some players for injury and then it was busy for us.
‘I think we can improve our level because next year, our season will have one more competition.
‘We need to work hard now, have an amazing holiday. We need to improve of course but we’re very, very happy.’
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