Newcastle United handed ‘fresh boost’ over defender transfer as Eddie Howe ‘calls off’ pursuit

Newcastle United are already preparing for next season after a fine end to the 2021/22 season.

With the help of key January signings, Eddie Howe changed the Magpies’ fortunes after taking over from Steve Bruce.

Newcastle were excellent in the back-end of the campaign, and they climbed all the way up to 11th place having previously had to worry about the threat of relegation.

Next season, they will be hoping to be top half candidates from the off, likely to strengthen significantly in the summer window.

Armed with new-found wealth, Newcastle are braced for an exciting summer, though this is not going to be an overnight project.

Howe will have to build carefully to avoid ending up with a disjointed dressing room - something too many new faces can certainly cause.

And as the Magpies boss scours the market, we have rounded up the latest rumours.

Botman revelation

Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for Lille defender Sven Botman since the January transfer window, when they rather openly tried to pull off a deal.

It didn’t work out back then, but it seems they should get another opportunity to land the centre-back.

“I don’t know, but I think so. I intend to take a step. Talks are underway now. I won’t go into all of that, but it’s going well.,” Botman has admitted, via the Mirror.

“I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed. Preferably also for the pre-season, yes.”

Danjuma called off

The Magpies are said to have called off their reported pursuit of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle were int he race to land the wide man, along with Liverpool and Manchester United.

But talkSPORT are now saying that Howe doubts the Dutchman’s temperament, deciding to look elsewhere.