Five signings Newcastle United could make and five they probably won’t

The summer transfer window is just under two weeks old and Newcastle United are working hard on several fronts as they look to boost their squad in preparation for a return to the Champions League.

The Magpies hierarchy have been near faultess in the transfer market over the last 18 months with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman all proving to be instrumental in helping Eddie Howe’s side embark on what was a remarkable season that surpassed all expectations. But what comes next and what can we expect over the coming months?

NewcastleWorld takes a look at five players that could join the Magpies before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August and identifies five that will either remain with their current clubs or head elsewhere.

COULD JOIN: Sandro Tonali

We may as well get the obvious one out of the way first! The Magpies are currently putting the finishing touches to a highly ambitous move for the current Italy Under-21 captain after agreeing what is believed to be a deal worth around £60m with Serie A giants AC Milan. The move could be officially announced over the coming days to allow the midfielder to focus on representing his country at the Under-21 European Championship before joining United for pre-season.

COULD JOIN: Dominik Szoboszlai

The Hungary international has been watched on several occasions by Magpies recruitment staff and has impressed for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. A move for the midfielder would take United close to their Financial Fair Play limits once a deal for Sandro Tonali is completed - but there is interest in Szoboszlai and it does seem as if it is a straight choice between a deal for the 22-year-old or Leicester City star James Maddison.

COULD JOIN: Kieran Tierney

The Magpies have identified the Arsenal star as their main option to improve their options at left-back and there have been recent reports suggesting they are preparing a bid for the Scotland international. There have been varying reports on the size of the bid with United said to be wary of Tierney’s injury record. At this point in time, the former Celtic defender remains their preferred option but other targets are being considered.

COULD JOIN: Derry Scherhant

A forward is said to be on United’s agenda this summer, as is their aim to add more young talents to their ranks. As a result, suggestions they are monitoring the progress of the Hertha Berlin striker can be taken seriously. The 20-year-old is said to be one player identified by Magpies recruitment staff that can push for a place in Eddie Howe’s first-team squad after he broke into the senior setup with the Bundesliga club last season.

COULD JOIN: Federico Chiesa

Another reported Magpies target, Chiesa is believed to be available as Juventus look to improve their financial situation. The Italy international scored four goals and provided six assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A giants and is able to play across the frontline, something that United are believed to be looking for from an attacking option.

PROBABLY WON’T: James Maddison

The Leicester City attacking midfielder is said to have been a long-term target for the Magpies and there were widespread reports United made three unsuccessful bids to land the England star last summer. However, as reported by NewcastleWorld on Friday, the two clubs are some distance apart in their valuation of Maddison and the player’s personal demands are also proving out of reach.

PROBABLY WON’T: Marcus Thuram

Another player repeatedly linked with a move to Newcastle over the last six months, France international Thuram will become one of the most in-demand free agents next week when his current contract at Borussia Monchengladbach comes to an end. United are believed to retain an interest in the forward but it is Serie A giants Internazionale that are closing in on securing his services.

PROBABLY WON’T: Nicolo Barella

There was strong speculation linked United with a bid for the Internazionale and Italy midfielder before the Magpies chose to progress with a move for AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali. The interest in Barella was genuine but club sources have strongly indicated Tonali was always their preferred option to boost their midfield.

PROBABLY WON’T: Harry Maguire

The links always seemed a little far fetched as Maguire’s wage at Old Trafford always felt out of reach for the Magpies even if they did hold an interest in the England defender. It does seem likely the centre-back will get a move this summer with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United said to be among the interested parties.

PROBABLY WON’T: Moises Caicedo

Caicedo is another signing made during Dan Ashworth’s time at Brighton and Hove Albion that has proven to be a big success on the South Coast. The midfielder’s stock is at a high after he helped the Seagulls qualify for European competition for the first time in their history. The Ecuador star is believed to have been discussed in United’s transfer discussions but the reported £80m asking price means he will be heading elsewhere this summer if he does leave the Amex Stadium.