Fabrizio Romano reveals two Newcastle United transfer 'targets' but issue clear

Newcastle United have enjoyed an eventful transfer window under the guidance of Eddie Howe as they prepare for the prospect of Champions League football for the first time in two decades.

The Magpies have added a Serie A title winner in midfield with Sandro Tonali, a Premier League proven winger in Harvey Barnes and an up and coming prospect at full back in Tino Livramento.

Lewis Hall is another imminent arrival who adds further depth in the full back area, while Yankuba Minteh may prove to be one for the future as he begins his loan spell at Feyenoord.

Eddie Howe has hinted that this could be the end of his summer shopping as he previously claimed he needed just one more addition before pursuing Hall.

But the Magpies boss has always been one to keep his cards close to his chest and the North East club may still have a fair few surprises up their sleeves before the window slams shut.

But who has been linked with a move to Newcastle and what is the latest transfer news from St James’ Park?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Fabrizio Romano reveals two centre back targets

Newcastle were amongst the best performers in the league defensively, but they lack depth at centre back with only Dan Burn and Jamal Lascelles providing cover to regular starters Sven Botman and Fabian Schar.

But Fabrizio Romano has identified two potential targets for the Magpies in Antonio Silva and Edmond Tapsoba.

Silva is a 19-year-old centre back for Benfica who has already established himself as a full international for Portugal. The 6ft2 defender lifted the title in his first full season and was a member of the Portugal squad that competed in the Qatar World Cup. He has been compared to former Benfica stars Luisao and Ruben Dias.

Tapsoba is a 24-year-old defender for Bayer Leverkusen who represents Burkina Faso at international level.

He kicked off his career at Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portugal before moving to Germany in 2020. He has been a first team player for three years and helped Xabi Alonso’s side to a sixth place finish and a Europa League semi-final last season.

Romano explained that Newcastle “love” both players but claim that FFP could be an obstacle.

He said: “I think it’s almost impossible to make happen because of the Financial Fair Play situation. Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are two centre backs that they love.”

He added: “ But at the moment they are way too expensive because, with the Financial Fair Play situation it’s complicated. So they would need to sell a player of the same value, so it’s more than complicated.”

Newcastle target Inter Milan prodigy

Newcastle United have had their eye in the youth market in recent seasons as they look to try and unearth the best teenage talents.

The Magpies have already acquired attacking prospects in Gurang Kuol of Australia and Yankuba Minteh of Gambia, but it appears they are now eyeing another winger in Inter Milan youngster Kevin Zefi.

The 18-year-old emerged as a talent in the Shamrock Rovers academy in 2020 and he is tipped to become a full Republic of Ireland international in years to come.

He is yet to make a first team appearance for the Italian giants but has impressed at youth level whilst gaining international experience for The Boys In Green at Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 level.