Eddie Howe’s ambitious No.1 transfer target revealed - policy shift at Newcastle United?

A right-sided attacker had been a priority earlier in the summer transfer window. However, all eggs appeared to move into the Marc Guehi basket once that deal became possible.

Ultimately, neither position was addressed, with Newcastle left short despite having funds available. That did, albeit unintentionally, keep United’s powder dry for future windows.

The Daily Mail reported last week that Toon chiefs remain keen on Guehi, who is entering the final 18 months of his contract. Football Insider now claim Newcastle want Bayern Munich sensation Sane to bolster their attacking options.

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A pelvic injury has seen the German barely feature in 2024-25, with competition for places also stiff in Bavaria. Bayern signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in June for around £60million.

Kingsley Coman, Mathys Tel and Serge Gnabry are also competing for wide positions at the Allianz Arena. As for Newcastle, they could guarantee Sane first-team football and an interesting project under PIF ownership.

Wages could be an issue, however, with Sane earning a reported £280,000 per week. Any similar pay packet on Tyneside would shatter the current structure and make him the club’s highest-paid player ever.

The right flank remains an issue, with Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy failing to make the position their own. At 28 and on high wages, signing Sane also signals a transfer shift at Newcastle, who have been reluctant to sign established stars since the October 2021 takeover.

Sana spent four years at Man City between 2016 and 2020, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three Carabao Cups. He also has 13 goals for Germany from 65 caps.