Newcastle transfer update: Magpies continue Ligue 1 duo pursuit while £3m man could depart

Aiden Beswick
By Aiden Beswick

Sports writer

Published 17th Feb 2022, 16:08 BST

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Newcastle United look likely to spend big this summer, as the squad revamp under Eddie Howe continues.

Newcastle United are set to continue their pursuit of Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike this summer, while potentially losing Fabian Schar according to reports.

Eddie Howe’s side wanted to sign Botman from Lillie during the January transfer window, but a move didn’t materialise. They now want to bring the Dutch Under-21 international to St James Park in the summer, as per ChronicleLive.

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The site claims that, despite competition from Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan for the 22-year-old’s signature, the Magpies board are ready to ‘go into battle’ with the two clubs in the summer.

The Netherlands under-21s international was the club’s number one target at the start of the window but Lille held firm, rejecting two bids from Newcastle. In an interview on deadline day, Botman did hint at a summer exit. Perhaps United will return to the table then.The Netherlands under-21s international was the club’s number one target at the start of the window but Lille held firm, rejecting two bids from Newcastle. In an interview on deadline day, Botman did hint at a summer exit. Perhaps United will return to the table then.
The Netherlands under-21s international was the club’s number one target at the start of the window but Lille held firm, rejecting two bids from Newcastle. In an interview on deadline day, Botman did hint at a summer exit. Perhaps United will return to the table then.

However, there is doubt a move to Newcastle will prevail, especially if they fail to remain a Premier League team in May.

Another name Howe is interested in bringing to St James Park is Ekitike. The 19-year-old was a £33m Deadline Day target for the Magpies, but opted to remain with current side Stade de Reims until the end of the campaign.

Interest in the forward is said to be high with Chelsea looking to ‘pip’ Newcastle to the signing of the Frenchman this summer, as per the Mirror.

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The newspaper adds that the Blues and Magpies will have to compete with Borussia Dortmund for Ekitike.

Finally, Schar could depart St James Park on a free transfer this summer, according to the Daily Mail, with the Swiss international’s contract expiring at the end of the season.

The newspaper states Napoli are interested in signing the defender, who is free to discuss a pre-contract with teams outside of England.

Schar has been one of the club’s key players since his arrival from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018, featuring 88 times in three-and-a-half years.

Related topics:Fabian ScharMagpiesNewcastleEddie Howe

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