Newcastle United make ‘unexpected’ move for La Liga star as Crystal Palace land Magpies target

Newcastle United have been linked with a surprise move for Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente.

The Magpies have already added Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali to their squad this summer and are set to announce the signing of Southampton and England Under-21s full-back Tino Livramento after a fee was agreed with the Championship club last week.

Eddie Howe revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Sela Cup meeting with Fiorentina he was expecting a ‘maximum’ of two more players to come into his squad before the transfer window closes next month.

He said: “We don’t want to carry a huge squad and we want everyone in the squad to feel they have a part to play. But certainly we do have various competitions we are involved in so we need to be robust enough to deal with that challenge. Let’s see what happens, I think maximum, a couple of players, but let’s wait and see.”

United have been linked with several players across Europe and a recent report in Spanish outlet Fichajes havs stated 18-times capped Spain star Llorente is ready to ignore interest from Saudi Pro-League clubs and accept an ‘expected’ offer to move to Tyneside. The report states the Magpies want to offer Llorente a ‘new challenge’ in his career and would help United make ‘an important leap in quality’ in their squad.

The 28-year-old would bring significant Champions League experience after making 27 appearances in UEFA’s elite club competition for Atleti and cross-city rivals Real Madrid.

Palace seal move for Magpies target

Crystal Palace have completed a deal to sign reported Magpies target Matheus Franca.

The Brazil Under-20 international was said to be on the United radar over the last 12 months and was watched by recruitment staff on a number of occasions. Despite reports suggesting an official offer was made for Franca, Newcastle’s interest did not go beyond monitoring his progress with Flamengo. Palace have gone a step further and landed the young attacking midfielder in a deal believed to be worth an initial £16million.

After joining the Eagles, Franca told the club website: “I’m very happy to be here. I hope I can bring good results for our supporters, for the other players and everybody else in the team. I’m very excited for my first game here at my new home, giving my best for my new team. I hope all the supporters are happy with me coming here. I bet it is going to be good for all of us.”