Newcastle United fail to hijack Man Utd target as Eddie Howe adds defender to watchlist

Newcastle United fans are waiting eagerly for the club's official announcement that Sandro Tonali has put pen to paper on a bumper £60 million deal from AC Milan.

It's been a nervy weekend of waiting for Magpies supporters as Tonali was put through his paces at a medical while on international duty for the Italy under-21 side.

While that announcement does seem likely to be made over the next week, here are the other transfer rumours around Newcastle United at the start of this week.

Newcastle United fail to hijack in-demand Napoli man

Newcastle United's reported late attempt to hijack a transfer for in-demand Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has failed.

Reports suggested that Eddie Howe and the club had put in a late statement of interest to the Serie A Champions over the availability of their centre-back, who had been heavily linked with a move to rivals Manchester United as well as German giants Bayern Munich.

The Magpies are known to be in the market for a centre-back with links to Crystal Palace man Joachim Andersen and Leeds United defender Robin Koch over the past week.

Italian broadcaster RAI claim that Newcastle United's interest in Min-jae was real but that the 26-year-old had already made up his mind about Bayern Munich, where he is set to go after just 12 months at Napoli.

Southampton defender emerges as Magpies’ Kieran Tierney fallback

Newcastle United are monitoring a move for relegated Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters as Eddie Howe continues to search for full-back.

The Magpies boss has earmarked left-back as a priority position to strengthen this summer ahead of a return to the Champions League next season. Dan Burn has been a reliable option in that role but Howe appears to be looking for a second and, perhaps more dynamic, option.

Newcastle United had been heavily linked with a move for wantaway Arsenal man Kieran Tierney and now The Daily Mail reports that Walker-Peters is another option.

The Saints defender, who has two years left on his contract, has also played for Tottenham Hotspur and gained Champions League experience while at the North London club.

Reports suggest that Walker-Peters remains a backup option for Howe and one that could only happen at a convenient price, but it is noted that the 26-year-old's ability to play on either flank is an asset compared with other options.