Newcastle United hatch ‘contract plan’ to keep star man amid fresh transfer boost in winger pursuit

Newcastle United are back in action this weekend when they take on Aston Villa.

The Magpies are in fine form, now occupying a top four spot following a hugely impressive win over Tottenham, albeit they have played a game more than some of those below. Aston Villa will prove an interesting test for Newcastle, with the Midlands club looking to improve on a disappointing start, and they now have a new manager in Unai Emery, a man the Magpies tried to hire around a year ago.

As the build up continues to the clash, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding St James’ Park.

Mudryk boost

Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk is said to be open to a move to Newcastle.

Mudryk has been linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent weeks, and according to Football Insider, the winger would be ‘open’ to a move, despite links with a number of clubs.

Newcastle are said to have sent scouts to watch Mudryk in action, and he has impressed in the Champions League, with Shakhtar putting up a strong fight in a group containing Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.

Guimaraes contract

Newcastle are said to be planning to offer a new contract to one of their star man, Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days, but the Magpies have no interest in losing him. The 24-year-old only joined Newcastle earlier this year, and he has already made quite the impact.

Guimaraes is under contract until 2026, but according to Goal, there are plans to improve his current deal. It’s unlikely there will be much of an extension, but Newcastle may have to top up the Brazilian’s pay package to avoid any chance of him leaving any time soon.