Newcastle United ‘eye shock £36m transfer’ as Magpies complete scouting mission

Newcastle United are back in action this week as the international break winds to a close. It has been a frustrating start for the Magpies, who have drawn five of their first seven games.

Eddie Howe’s men have been solid at the back, much like the end of last season, but they haven’t produced enough going forward.

They are going to need to create a habit of winning if they want to finish in the top half this season, and a win over Fulham this weekend would be a good start.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding St James’ Park.

Locatelli links

Newcastle are being linked with a shock move for Juventus star Manuel Locatelli.

Locatelli is currently in the second year of his loan spell with Juventus from Sassuolo, though the Old Lady have an obligation to buy.

The midfielder has been pretty good for Juventus, but he hasn’t set the world alight, and he is now being linked with a move to Arsenal.

But according to Tutto Mercato, Newcastle are now entering the race having tried to sign an attack-minded midfielder in the summer.

It’s claimed Locatelli will cost around £36million.

O’Riley scouting mission

The Magpies are said to be interested in a move for Celtic talent Matt O’Riley. According to Football Scotland, Newcastle sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action for Denmark under-21s.

O’Riley was born in England, but he qualifies to play for Denmark due to connections on his mother’s side of the family. He played for Fulham’s youth team before joining MK Dons and then Celtic.

The 21-year-old has already racked up 23 league appearances for Celtic, and he looks to be a talent. Newcastle and others are now said to be pushing for a move.