Newcastle United ‘continue’ scouting mission as ‘battle’ for Man City starlet intensifies

Newcastle United are gearing up for a tough-looking home clash with Brighton on Thursday night.

The Magpies know there is now little room for error as far as their top four race is concerned. Eddie Howe’s men have a one-point advantage over Liverpool in fifth going into Thursday night’s game, but the Brighton clash is their final game in-hand, meaning failure to win would allow Liverpool to really pile on the pressure heading into the last two games.

Newcastle will want to avoid such a fate by taking a big step towards Champions League against the Seagulls, but the South coast team have proved tricky opponents for most this season, and they have a European mission of their own to achieve. As kick-off draws near, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Kadioglu links

Newcastle continue to be linked with Fenerbahce star Ferdi Kadıoğlu ahead of this summer.

Akşam via SportWitness are now saying the Magpies have ‘continued’ to scout the defender, who can play on either side of the back-line, while also being able to play as a winger. That may well be the type of player Howe is looking for this summer as he looks to improve the left-side of his defence, in particular.

It’s claimed Fenerbahce will want more than £17million for their talented 23-year-old this summer.

Battle for defender

Elsewhere, it’s claimed Newcastle are interested in snapping up Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Football Insider report the Magpies are keen to snap up the 21-year-old defender who may find game time hard to come by at City. Though, it’s also claimed West Ham have now joined the race for Harwood-Bellis, who has enjoyed a very impressive loan spell with Burnley this season, helping the Clarets to achieve promotion.

As things stand, the youngster only has a contract until the end of 2024.