Newcastle United eyeing £27.5m transfer who ‘fits the profile’ of what Eddie Howe wants

Newcastle United have opened up their summer portfolio and added their first big money signing to the list after splashing €70 million (£60m) out on Sandro Tonali, who joins the club from AC Milan. The Italian is the second through the door after Yankuba Minteh, who joined the Magpies last month but left immediately on loan to Feyenoord.

It doesn’t look like Eddie Howe is willing to stop there either, as another target is already on the radar. According to Football Insider, the Toon boss wants to add to his side’s current depth and Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio has emerged as a potential target.

The 21-year-old is a highly-regarded young defender and he has been widely linked to a move to the Premier League. He reportedly ‘fits the profile’ of the type of player Newcastle want to add to their ranks this summer as they look to build on their fourth-place finish.

Despite being a centre-back, Inácio contributed four goals and three assists for Sporting last season and featured in all but one of their Liga Portugal fixtures. His current deal with his native club runs until 2026 and while a transfer fee hasn’t been mentioned, Transfermarkt currently value him at €30 million (£25.7m).

As Newcastle prepare to return to the Champions League, Howe and co are working on strengthening as many areas of the team as possible. They enjoyed a strong run in the Premier League last season and pipped Liverpool to a top four finish, however, the Reds are making strides on the transfer market right now and the competition is heating up.

Manchester United also have their sights set on some blockbuster signings, while Arsenal continue to splash the cash too. The fight at the top of the table is going to be a thriller and Newcastle must make sure they are right up there to continue this impressive run.