In another blow for Eddie Howe, Barcelona have now set their sights on signing a Newcastle United star who could leave alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
The latest on Sandro Tonali's future
Last week it was Guimaraes. This week, it's Tonali. One way or another, Newcastle look destined to lose at least one of their star midfielders to Manchester United this summer, as the Red Devils look to replace Casemiro and more.
Reports last week claimed that those at Old Trafford appreciate Guimaraes, sparking doubts over his Tyneside future. Now, almost a week later, reports are claiming that Man United are expected to make a formal approach to sign Tonali in another blow for those at St James' Park.
It's no surprise that the duo are attracting such interest. Tonali stole the headlines away from transfer speculation earlier this week by unleashing an excellent strike against Northern Ireland, as Italy reached the World Cup playoff final.
If they miss out on European football, which looks likely to be the case this season, then Newcastle's negotiating position will not be as strong as it once was. Whether this means that Guimaraes and Tonali will be able to push for an exit remains the big question, however.
Just one year after qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup, the current campaign has been the ultimate setback for the Magpies, who have been left questioning Howe's position.
sandro-tonali-newcastle-premier-league (2) Related
Newcastle given definitive Sandro Tonali update after 'gentleman's agreement' claim
It's going to be a long summer.
For the first time in his Tyneside career, the pressure is heating up on the former Bournemouth boss and speculation is already arriving over the likes of Roberto De Zerbi.
Alas, any managerial change is unlikely to make a difference if Barcelona turn their interest into an offer for another Newcastle star, who could leave with Guimaraes and Tonali this summer.
Barcelona plotting move to sign Lewis Hall
According to reports in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Barcelona are now plotting a move to sign Lewis Hall this summer, not long after he kept star man Lamine Yamal quiet in open play at St James' Park.
Barca could be looking for a replacement for Alejandro Balde - described as one of the "best players in the world" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, but have lined up a rather laughable £26m bid.
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall in action with FC Barcelona's Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal
The left-back is enjoying quite the rise at Newcastle. Having struggled for game time at Chelsea, he's now well on his way to becoming their latest transfer regret.
Chelsea's loss may not be Newcastle's gain for very long, though. It seems as though Hall earned some impressive admirers in the Magpies' Champions League tie against Barcelona even after they came away 8-3 losers courtesy of a disastrous second leg.
Hall vs Barcelona (first leg)
Minutes
Recoveries
Dribbled Past
Ground Duels Won
Yamal didn't get past the left-back once in the first leg and it's fair to say that Hall earned every penny of his £45,000-a-week wage on a memorable night.
Dubbed "outstanding" by Howe in 2024, Hall is someone who looks destined to reach the very top - whether that comes courtesy of Barcelona this summer or Newcastle in years to come.