Newcastle United may be closing in on Nick Woltemade, as well as pushing for Yoane Wissa, but striker isn't the only position they are looking to reinforce before the deadline.
Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak admission
Alexander Isak's potential St James' Park exit now looks likelier than it has done in recent weeks, not least because Woltemade is on the verge of a big-money move to the Magpies from VfB Stuttgart.
Speaking in his pre-Leeds United press conference on Friday, Eddie Howe admitted that the situation remains out of his hands, arguably hinting at Isak moving from Newcastle to Liverpool.
"I have a footballing preference, but then you have to take everything else into account, you can’t just be oblivious to things that have happened. So I’m in that position really, where I’m trying to separate myself because I have no control over it. I will let everything take its course and then deal with the eventuality. I don’t think you can be emotionally involved.
Alexander-Isak
"If you’re emotionally involved you’re going to make a bad decision. I’ve had to separate myself from it, as Alex exited the squad, initially. I took the view that the squad needed me to be the best me and be totally focused on them. This situation was not going to be resolved quickly and I had no control over bringing any resolution to it."
While much focus is understandably on Isak, Woltemade, Wissa and the attacking situation, it now looks as though Newcastle are targeting a midfielder, too.
Newcastle submit bid for Davide Frattesi
According to both journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and Sport Witness, Newcastle and the PIF have "made an offer" for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, looking to sign him on loan with an obligation to sign him permanently. It may be a "complex" deal to get over the line, though, with Inter manager Christian Chivu valuing the £35m-rated Italian as a key part of his plans.
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Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi celebrates scoring the winning goal against Barcelona in the 2024/25 Champions League semi-final.
Frattesi has been a target for Newcastle throughout the summer window, with talks even reportedly taking place earlier this week, and he could be a great signing for Howe, adding more depth and quality in the middle of the park.
The 25-year-old helped Inter reach the Champions League final last season, scoring the winning goal against Barcelona in the semi-finals, and Italy legend Roberto Baggio showed his appreciation for both Frattesi and Sandro Tonali when they sealed respective moves two summers ago.
"I didn’t follow much on the transfer market, but two moves stuck in my mind. The first is Tonali's move to Newcastle, which I didn’t expect. Milan lose a lot without him. The other is Frattesi's move to Inter, because he’s a player I like and follow. This is a great coup."
It is more important for Newcastle to focus on their attacking signings more than the midfield, but if they can get a loan deal for Frattesi over the line, it could be an excellent piece of business.