Newcastle United already know their next three transfers priorities after £15m Matt Targett deal

Newcastle United kickstarted their summer transfer business with the permanent arrival of Matt Targett on Wednesday.

Following his hugely successful loan spell at St James’ Park last season, the Magpies moved quickly to the sign the left-back for £15million from Aston Villa.

United had considered other full-back options such as Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi but Targett represents a solid piece of early business.

With Targett, Eddie Howe knows he is signing a reliable Premier League performer for a reasonably small fee that will allow Newcastle to splash the cash in other key areas.

And two positions that are being prioritised currently is a striker and a central defender.

Hugo Ekitike talks rumble on

It’s well known that Newcastle attempted to sign Reims star Hugo Ekitike in January, only for the 19-year-old to decide against a mid-season move.

United have wasted no time in reigniting their interest this summer, with the teenager heavily tipped to achieve big things in the game.

The Magpies see Ekitike as a player who can grow with the club with both parties having ambitions to go to the very top.

There is a strong belief Newcastle have convinced the French forward that a move to the North East is the right one for him. But still, there is work to do.

Reims are happy with United’s offer - understood to be around the £25million mark - but are still negotiating the structure of the deal.

Agent fees are also playing a big part in discussions between the club and Ekitike’s representatives. The deal is progressing, but again, there are still details to iron out.

Ekitike is currently competing at the Toulon Tournament with France under-20s, who face Santiago Munoz’s Mexico in the semi-finals tonight.

Sven Botman deal progresses

Sven Botman was the Magpies’ No.1 defensive target in January but Lille refused to sell their title-winning centre-back.

And despite the signing of Dan Burn, who has excelled after his £15m switch from Brighton, similar to Ekitike, Botman was always a deal United planned to revisit.

That said, many had expected the 22-year-old to be an AC Milan player by now but their delay in tieing up the transfer has provided Newcastle with real hope.

NewcastleWorld understands things have progressed relatively quickly after months of work to the point where the feeling is a breakthrough is close.

There could even be further progress by the end of the week, with Botman currently preparing to face Wales on Saturday in Llanelli with Netherlands under-21s.

Milan remain in the picture to sign Botman but the longer the Serie A champions wait, the more optimistic Newcastle become in regards to sealing his highly-rated signature.

Certainly, Dan Ashworth, who began his role as sporting director on Monday, is making his presence known having signed off Targett’s move and Isaac Hayden’s loan exit to Norwich City.

Wide forward also on the agenda

As well as a striker, Howe is keen to sign a wide forward.

The head coach’s current options are Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy but an injury, particularly to Saint-Maximin despite his dip in form last season, leaves United light.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby is a target but the Bundesliga club’s reported £60m price tag doesn’t seem viable. Alternatively, Watford’s Ismaila Sarr has been under consideration since January.

And in a transfer link some fans are failing to believe - Gareth Bale is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Real Madrid. The 32-year-old has a World Cup to prepare for with Wales in November.

A move for a goalkeeper is currently on the backburner amid speculation surrounding Manchester United’s Dean Henderson.