Newcastle United scouts have been spotted watching a former Real Madrid midfielder, as PIF begin to plot their summer move.
Howe urges Newcastle to "get back to the basics"
Ahead of their toughest month of the season, Newcastle couldn't have asked for a more frustrating display against Everton in front of their own fans at St James' Park.
The Magpies square off against Barcelona twice, Sunderland, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all in the space of 18 days. Victory over Everton was, therefore, a must.
David Moyes' side had other ideas, however, and Thierno Barry's second-half effort combined with Jordan Pickford's save of the season contender to deny Sandro Tonali sealed all three points for Everton.
Reflecting on the latest moment to forget in a season which has featured far too many, Eddie Howe told reporters: "I don’t think that’s the sign of a top team. We have to be at that level all the time.
"The Premier League is so tough and the games are so difficult regardless of who and where you play that if you’re off, you will get punished.
"Certainly, clean sheets has been a hard thing to find in recent games. We have to get back to the basics of our game and hit the right tones defensively. I still feel we’re capable of scoring goals at any time, but it’s at the other end it’s costing us."
Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen reacts
Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen reacts
What has become clear this season is just how much work Newcastle need to do in the summer. Nick Pope's mistake sent a timely reminder of why they're targeting the likes of Bart Verbruggen, whilst a midfield addition could also arrive.
Newcastle join race to sign Chema Andres
As reported by TeamTalk, Newcastle scouts have been spotted watching Chema Andres as Stuttgart and PIF have now joined the race to sign the former Real Madrid midfielder.
Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli scores their second goal Related
[Newcastle set to submit bid for "explosive" £35m ex-Barcelona forward who's now their top target](https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-likely-to-submit-transfer-bid-abde-ezzalzouli-barcelona/ "Newcastle set to submit bid for "explosive" £35m ex-Barcelona forward who's now their top target")
An offer is in the works.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive spell since leaving the Spanish giants last summer and has attracted plenty of interest as a result.
Alongside Newcastle, Real Madrid could yet activate their buy-back clause, plus Man City and Man United are also interested in securing the 20-year-old's signature.
The midfielder has received high praise since moving to the Bundesliga. Talent scout Jacek Kulig even went as far as to call Andres "outstanding" and compare him with Man City's Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.
All signs are pointing towards a top talent. Whether Newcastle can jump ahead of some impressive competition to secure his signature remains to be seen, though.