Newcastle United handed fresh transfer ‘challenge’ amid Marco Asensio update

Newcastle United are now just over a week away from beginning their Premier League campaign.

The Magpies suffered a narrow defeat to European heavyweights Benfica on Tuesday, and they still have Atalanta to take on before attention turns to the new campaign.

A separate group will also take on Athletic Club a day later as Eddie Howe looks to get every member of his squad fit and firing.

In the meantime, he and the club’s recruitment staff will also be looking to add fresh signings, with a new striker at the top of the priority list.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding St James’ Park.

Paqueta blow

Newcastle have suffered a setback in their reported bid to land Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the attacking midfielder, but developments at Lyon mean a deal is unlikely.

“Paqueta wants a fresh challenge – so that’s the positive,” said CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

"So there is a window of opportunity for any suitor if they choose to act. The challenge is going to be about agreeing a deal with Lyon.

“What complicates that challenge even more is that Jean-Michel Aulas may be saying that he’s willing to sell, but John Textor is the American incoming majority owner at Lyon who doesn’t yet have a say – but will soon.

“And he’s the one that has stated on record that Lyon are going to compete with PSG, which is a massive claim. So I don’t think Textor wants Paqueta to go.”

Asensio links

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in recent days, but they are yet to make a move.

“Despite what you may have read elsewhere, there are currently no official proposals from West Ham or Newcastle for Marco Asensio, just rumours,” Fabrizo Romano has said.

“If I were to make a prediction on his future, I think he has a good chance of staying at Real Madrid for another year and then deciding his next move in view of June 2023 when his current contract expires.

“So far this is the player’s strategy, but if proposals arrive in August, the situation can change quickly.”

Asensio has one year remaining on his contract as things stand and he could be sold this summer if a new deal cannot be agreed.