10 free agents available to Newcastle United including former Man Utd and Bayern stars

Newcastle United's summer transfer business helped them take another step in the development of Eddie Howe's squad as the Magpies manager looks to make his side firm challengers for major honours.

The club's most costly summer addition, Sandro Tonali, may well be sitting on the sidelines for the next ten months as he serves a suspension, but there is little doubt the Italy star will be a big part of Howe's plans upon his return.

Another expensive signing, Harvey Barnes, is in the midst of returning from an injury that disrupted his attempts to settle into life at St James Park. Young duo Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have shown signs that they could be integral in Howe's side for years to come and the Magpies first addition of the summer, Yankuba Minteh, is impressing during a season-long loan stint with Dutch champions Feyenoord.

More signings are expected during the January transfer window as Howe looks to deal with a significant injury crisis that has decimated his squad - and the United could find some intriguing options available if he opts to look at the free agent market.

David de Gea

A former Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Carabao Cup winner on a free anyone? De Gea's reputation may have taken a knock following some high-profile errors during his final two seasons at Manchester United - but he could prove to be a shrewd addition for someone.

Jesse Lingard

Linked with Newcastle during Eddie Howe's time in charge, England international Lingard has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in June. He was reportedly the subject of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the MLS and former club West Ham United - but Lingard still remains a free agent as it stands.

Jerome Boateng

Former Germany international Boateng has been linked with a whole host of clubs since his departure from Lyon was announced in June. Yet the 35-year-old still remains a free agent despite suggestions he was being lined up for a return to former club Bayern Munich.

Xeka

Curiously linked with a move to Newcastle over the last week, former Lille midfielder Xeka is a free agent after he departed Ligue 1 side Rennes in August. Has plenty of experience at the age of 29 and won the Ligue 1 title and French Super Cup during his time with Lille.

Nico Schulz

A 12-times capped Germany international, Schulz made over 160 Bundesliga appearances for the likes of Hoffenheim, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund before leaving the latter at the end of last season.

Timo Horn

The presence of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie within the St James Park ranks means Eddie Howe is unlikely to require another goalkeeper - but there is one experienced option available after former Koln stopper Horn left the Bundesliga club after over 300 appearances earlier this year.

Tiago Ilori

Ilori's career seemed to be heading nowhere when he left Liverpool to join Reading in 2019 but a move back to Portugal with Sporting CP did bring a Portuguese Cup Final win and appearances in the Europa League. Left the Lisbon giants earlier this year following loan spells at Lorient, Boavista and Pacos Ferreira in recent seasons.

Santi Mina

Still only 27, versatile forward Mina has been without a club since his departure from Celta Vigo was announced in August. The four-times capped Spain international actually spent last season on loan at Saudi side Al-Shabab, scoring six goals and providing five assists for the Pro League club.

Mamadou Sakho

Once of Liverpool and Crystal Palace, defender Sakho was released by Ligue 1 club Montpellier earlier this month after what was described as a training ground 'incident'.

Hatem Ben Arfa

The last dance? Ben Arfa has been without a club since he left Lille 16 months ago and it seems his career is all but over. He will always be looked upon as never fulfilling his unquestionable talent as he failed to vanquish doubts over his attitude. But as Newcastle supporters know all too well, he was always capable of moments of magic.