Newcastle United ‘braced’ key man bid as Howe prepares to ‘rival’ Tottenham for signing

Newcastle United will already be hard at work as they look to improve their squad this summer.

The Magpies enjoyed a fine turnaround in the second half of this season, climbing out of the relegation battle to secure a mid-table finish.

Eddie Howe worked wonders to ensure Newcastle established a platform to build upon heading into next season.

The upcoming summer transfer window is the first under new ownership for Newcastle, and a number of new signings are expected.

Howe will be excited about that, but it does mean he, and indeed new sporting director Dan Ashworth, have plenty of work to do.

On that theme, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding St James’ Park.

Lascelles links

Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles is said to be receiving interest this summer.

Lascelles has been with the Magpies since 2014, but he may find opportunities reduced next season if Howe decides to strengthen his back line as expected.

And the 28-year-old is now being linked with a move back to former club Nottingham Forest by the Northern Echo, with the Midlands club looking to improve ahead of their first season back in the top flight.

It will be interesting to see whether Newcastle entertain an offer given Lascelles’ standing at the club.

Traore links

The Magpies are said to be in the hunt to sign Wolves star Adama Traore this summer.

Traore spent the back-end of this season on loan with former club Barcelona, but he did not do enough to stick around long term.

He will now return to Wolves, and according to 90min, Newcastle are interested in snapping him up, while Tottenham and Leeds United are also said to be keen.

Spurs reportedly tried to sign Traore in January, but Barcelona beat them to the punch.