Chelsea are set to put 14 first-team players up for sale with the Magpies already linked to several stars
Trevoh Chalobah, Noni Madueke and Reece James of England in the Mercedes AMG garage as they attend the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Trevoh Chalobah, Noni Madueke and Reece James of Chelsea and England
Newcastle United have been put on transfer red alert with the news that Chelsea are ready to sell up to 14 first-team players this summer. The Blues are reportedly looking to move on a raft of stars to help fund their transfer budget for this window.
Like Newcastle, Enzo Maresca's side are preparing for a Champions League campaign, and have some ambitious transfer plans. But after spending significant amounts in recent years under owner Todd Boehly, they are acutely aware that some big names will need to leave Stamford Bridge to comply with FFP and PSR regulations.
Reports today suggest up to 14 first-team stars could be heading for the exit door, including two players strongly linked with a move to United. The Magpies have scouted several right-sided forwards over the past 12 months, with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo thought to be top of their transfer wishlist.
But Chelsea could now be willing to listen to offers for England winger Noni Madueke, someone who Newcastle have kept a close eye on in recent months. The 23-year-old scored 11 goals in 41 appearances for the Blues last season, and was a regular under Maresca despite competition from Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.
Madueke would likely be available for less than the £60m United will have to pay to land Mbeumo, and is currently in Spain with Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Andorra this weekend, alongside United's Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn.
He is joined in the squad by Chelsea team-mate and another one-time Newcastle target Trevoh Chalobah. He is another on the potential list of Stamford Bridge exits, despite enjoying a strong season for the Blues. With Jarrad Branthwaite a reported target, and the likes of Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo already at the club, Chalobah could be sold this summer.
Newcastle have monitored the 25-year-old for some time, but are set to go back in for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer. However, Chalobah could be a viable option should the Eagles again prove reluctant to strike a deal.
Others on the reported Chelsea 'cull' list include goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, defenders Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, while midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu could also be available.
Out of favour forwards Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling could be moved on, with Chelsea keen on a move for Newcastle-linked Jamie Gittens, who is set to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.
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