Newcastle United could get unexpected Erling Haaland boost in bid for £30m Chelsea target

Newcastle United are reportedly showing an interest in RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai - and could get some help from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland if they choose to make a move.

The Hungarian international moved to the Bundesliga outfit from sister club RB Salzburg in the January 2021 transfer window and has impressed during his first two years in Germany. The goal he scored in a 3-0 win at Wolfsburg last month took his tally to 15 in his 77 appearances since making the move to the Red Bull Arena.

His form has led to speculation several clubs around Europe are willing to make a big money move for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, with Chelsea reportedly keen to add him to their growing list of forward-thinking players.

However, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Newcastle have also been name-checked as interested parties by CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, with the Magpies said to be ‘exploring lots of options’ as they looked to strengthen their midfield during the summer transfer window.

And their hopes of landing Szoboszlai could boosted by his close friendship with City star Haaland, who he played alongside during his time in Austria and Germany.

He told CaughtOffside: “Chelsea really need a defensive midfielder and some outgoings first before they strengthen further up the field. Atletico Madrid have also looked at Szoboszlai (and held an interest dating back to his Salzburg days) as have Newcastle, who would still like to strengthen their midfield and are exploring lots of options.

“I am told Szoboszlai has spoken in some detail about life in England to his close friend Erling Haaland, who he was at Salzburg with. They FaceTime still. It’s no real surprise clubs are now circling around Szoboszlai. He’s come back stronger than ever from a series of injuries and is a highly intelligent and technical player.”