Newcastle United handed transfer ‘boost’ after Chelsea and Roman Abramovich sanctions

Newcastle United will now have at least half an eye on next season as they continue to take strides towards guaranteed safety.

The Magpies are now seven points clear of the bottom three, and while safety is far from guaranteed, Eddie Howe’s men are on their way.

There is a job to do between now and the end of the season but that doesn’t mean planning won’t already be underway for the next campaign.

And with Newcastle now armed with a war chest due to their new owners, the rumour mill is already at full throttle.

Here we round up the latest transfer talk:

Antonio Rudiger boost

Newcastle may have been given fresh hope in their bid to land Antonio Rudiger this summer.

The Magpies have emerged as a shock contender to land the German centre-back, who is out of contract this summer.

And in the meantime, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has seen his assets (one of which is Chelsea) frozen.

Chelsea are not allowed to hand out new contracts between now and the end of the order on 31 May, which increases the chances of Rudiger agreeing a deal to move on in the meantime.

Newcastle can’t begin talks until after the end of his contract, however. At least not officially.

Diego Carlos blow

Where there is a boost, there is also a blow.

Newcastle have been dealt a blow in their bid to land Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, who was in talks with the Magpies over a move in January.

He ultimately decided to stay until the end of the season, and in a fresh report by Goal, it’s claimed Diego Carlos’ release clause was actually raised to £67million in his last contract extension.

That means the 28-year-old would cost significantly more than previously thought.