Newcastle United ‘close in’ on £68m double swoop as medical pencilled in ahead of major deal

After Eddie Howe publicly displayed his transfer frustrations at Gateshead, Newcastle United have overseen a progressive week in the summer window.

The Magpies are on the verge of completing at least one deal with talks being held over another. A couple of departures are also in the offing. Here’s the latest...

What’s the latest with Harvey Barnes?

Newcastle agreed a £38million deal with Leicester City on Wednesday and less than 24 hours later the winger arrived on Tyneside to formalise the move.

He paid a visit to St James’ Park before making the short journey to the club’s Benton training ground to hold talks with sporting director Dan Ashworth and undergo medical tests.

United are yet to announce the deal but the 25-year-old is expected to arrive in the United States in the coming days to meet his new teammates and take part in the Premier League Summer Series.

Newcastle face Aston Villa in Philadelphia on Monday morning (kick-off 12am), Chelsea in Atlanta on Thursday (kick-off 1:15am) and Brighton and Hove Albion in New Jersey on Saturday (kick-off 1:15am).

Who could arrive next?

The Magpies have re-opened talks with Southampton over signing England under-21s right-back Tino Livramento, with some sources even suggesting a £30m agreement is close.

Ashworth is a huge admirer of Livramento and believes he is a star in the making. Livramento is very much viewed as a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier, who turns 34 next year, and both club and international level.

Chelsea have a sizeable sell-on clause and a buyback fee but Newcastle are keen to recruit him now. Ashworth is mindful that a successful season at Southampton could lead to an increased amount of suitors and price tag next summer.

Livramento joined from Chelsea for just £4m two years ago and was excellent during his opening seven or eight months before an ACL injury ruled him out for until April this year.

What about potential departures?

Allan Saint-Maximin is closing in on an emotional departure after agreeing to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. The Frenchman will undergo his medical ahead of a reported £26m transfer.

Saint-Maximin has been a fans’ favourite since arriving from French club Nice in 2019 but there is an acceptance his sale was required in order to add depth and quality to a squad that is competing in four competitions this season.

United are battling against Financial Fair Play restrictions following the £52m arrival of Sandro Tonali and Saint-Maximin is the only sellable asset outside of Howe’s regular starting XI picks.

The 26-year-old was often on the fringes of the starting line-up last season in a stop-start campaign due to hamstring injuries. He leaves the club having scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists in 124 appearances.

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In terms of other potential exits, Bournemouth and Leeds United have held talks over signing Karl Darlow. Martin Dubravka’s future is also up for debate.

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles has attracted interest but will stay put, as it stands. Full-backs Javier Manquillo and Jamal Lewis have been linked with leaving with the latter wanted by Watford.

The contract of Kelland Watts expires next summer and he’s set to spend his final year on loan at League One side Wigan Athletic.

Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden have already been told they have no future at St James’ Park. United hope to offload them permanently but a loan is a more likely outcome.