Newcastle United in transfer battle with Leeds, Man Utd, Arsenal and Tottenham over two targets

Newcastle United will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham and Leeds United as they look to add to their midfield options this summer.

The Magpies have been long-term admirers of former Manchester City midfielder Seko Fofana after he impressed in Serie A with Udinese and carried his form into Ligue 1 after joining Len.

The Ivory Coast international’s pace and power has seen him compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and he is believed to have been watched by United scouts on several occasions over the last year.

Leeds are also monitoring Fofana’s situation and Spurs are now reportedly keen on making a move for the 26-year-old midfielder.

Jeunesfooteux have reported Antonio Conte is keen to add Fofana to his squad despite already possessing a whole host of options in the middle of the park.

Magpies target attracting major interest

Reported Newcastle target Darwin Nunez will get a chance to test himself against Premier League opposition on Wednesday night when his Benfica side face Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The Uruguayan frontman netted Benfica’s only goal when they suffered a 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Portugal last week and they face an uphill battle if they are to extend their Champions League run with a shock win on Merseyside.

Nunez has become one of European football’s hottest properties after scoring 31 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions this season and he has attracted interest from several elite clubs.

The i paper revealed Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are all retain an interest in a player Newcastle believe can become one of the stars of their new era under new ownership.

Seagulls star eyed as Saint-Maximin replacement

Newcastle are reportedly showing an interest in Brighton’s Belgian international winger Leandro Trossard as speculation continues over the future of Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Daily Mail have reported the Frenchman will be sold this summer with any fee received reinvested in the Magpies squad.

Former Genk winger Trossard is one option they are considering along with Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

It should be added the United boss has recently insisted Saint-Maximin has a ‘long-term future’ at St James Park.

Howe addressed the Frenchman’s future ahead of Friday night’s win against Wolves, saying: “I’ve got a great relationship with Maxi, I’ve really enjoyed working with him.

“For me, if you look between now and the end of the season, we need Maxi at his very best levels, he could potentially be the difference between us staying in the league. He’s an incredible talent and yes, of course he has a long-term future at the club.”