Newcastle United ‘eye’ ambitious £80m deal, French star ‘open’ to £25m Magpies move

Wednesday morning brought more speculation as Newcastle United prepare to make Burnley striker Chris Wood their second signing of the January transfer window.

The Daily Mail have reported Eddie Howe’s side have been given a boost in their proposed move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

Discussions are believed to be ongoing between the Magpies and the Ligue 1 club - and the young forward is said to be impressed with United’s ambitions and would be open to a move to Tyneside.

The Mail have also stated an “ambitious move” for RB Leipzig highly-rated midfielder Amadou Haidara is being discussed by the Magpies hierarchy - although the Mali International could come with a price tag of over £80m.

And staying with the Mail, North East football writer Craig Hope has learnt Brazilian defender Gleison Bremer is on the radar.

The 24-year-old centre-back has impressed in Serie A this season and has also been the subject of interest from Inter, Chelsea and Spurs.

There has been more speculation regarding Newcastle’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Czech striker Patrick Schick.

French outlet Jeunes Footeux have said United are willing to pay a club record £42million for the Euro 2020 star - but face interest from Premier League rivals Spurs and Arsenal.

One new name to throw into the mix is on-loan Udinese striker Beto.

MondoUdinese have suggested the Magpies are planning a “shock offer” for the 23-year-old frontman, who has been compared to Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku.

Beto is on loan at the Serie A club from Portuguese side Portmonense and has eight goals to his name so far this season.

One former Newcastle United favourite on the move is Ryan Taylor as the popular defender completes a move from Northern Premier League West Division club Colne to Premier Division promotion challengers Buxton.

Bucks manager Steve Cunningham told the Buxton Advertiser: “Everyone at Colne says what a great guy he is.

“He’s a top guy and will bring so much on and off the pitch. We just need to get our players back in now.”

One player set to leave St James Park is highly-rated youngster Elliott Anderson.

The Athletic have stated the 19-year-old is now on the brink of a loan move to Luton Town after almost joining the Hatters in a similar deal last season.