Newcastle United linked with £45m Premier League forward as £13.5m striker option ‘emerges’

Newcastle United are now in the final stages of their summer preparations.

The Magpies have had mixed fortunes in recent days, beating 1860 Munich comfortably on Friday before suffering a narrow defeat to Mainz on Monday,

Eddie Howe will now be looking for refined performances with just over a week to go until the new season.

And he will get another look at his men on Friday in a tricky clash with Serie A giants Atalanta at St James’ Park.

A separate group will also take on Athletic Club the following day before attention swiftly shifts to the new campaign.

In the meantime, Howe will be looking to perfect his squad, and with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours.

Werner links

Newcastle have been named as a surprise contender to sign Chelsea star Timo Werner.

Reports this week have claimed the £45m man could leave the Blues this summer amid indifferent form following his big-money move from RB Leipzig.

According to Christian Falk, Newcastle are interested in luring the German to St James’ Park, while Fabrizio Romano says Juventus are the main contenders.

It seems likely Werner would leave on loan if he does depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Ajorque interest

Newcastle are still searching for a new frontman, and Ludovic Ajorque is the latest to be linked.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are all interested in the Strasbourg star.

The report claims the French club’s president Marc Keller has handed intermediary Mark McKay the task of selling the striker.

The 28-year-old has racked up a pretty impressive scoring record during his four years with Strasbourg, scoring 45 goals in 122 league appearances.

He is valued at £13.5million by Transfermarkt, but he could be sold for more given the level of interest.