Former Newcastle United star suggests Magpies could be ‘tempted’ by shock summer sale

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes his old club could be tempted to part ways with one of their key players this summer.

The Magpies are currently pushing for a place in the Champions League and remain in the top four despite being punished for a poor performance in their 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. A place in European football’s elite club competition would boost Magpies manager Eddie Howe’s hopes of landing more high-profile signings, something he alluded to in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game at Villa Park.

He said: “We are trying to build the best squad we can. I think a lot will probably depend on what competitions we are playing in next year as to what we can and can’t do. I think we will always try to gauge it on every situation.

“Our strategy last summer was to try and find quality players for the positions that we needed, not to bring in a host of players who don’t necessarily improve our starting eleven or squad. I don’t think our strategy will change. We want elite players because we have an elite squad. If we do add anyone in they have to be better than the players we have.”

In a week when the likes of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice were linked with a move to Tyneside, former Magpies keeper Hislop insisted United could allow one of their stars to depart if a sizeable offer comes in this summer.

When asked why the Magpies have not been linked with Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham, he told ESPN: “Newcastle aren’t going to spend that kind of money on players. The bulk of their budget is earmarked for developing the training ground.

“In all seriousness, I’d be surprised if they kept Guimaraes. I’d be surprised if a big bid doesn’t come in for him this summer. I’m just saying I’d be surprised if a big bid doesn’t come in and they aren’t tempted. They’re not spending all the money in the world on players. They don’t need to sell players but if a bid of £120million comes in I think they’d sell.”