Newcastle United ‘open discussions’ with wide forward as ‘affordable’ fee is proposed

A new target has reportedly emerged in Newcastle United’s search for a winger.

The likes of Leeds United star Jack Harrison, Barcelona forward Memphis Depay and Everton youngster Anthony Gordon have all been linked with a move with Tyneside over the last month.

But it is Paris Saint-Germain’s German international Julian Draxler that is said to be on the Magpies radar - according to reports in France.

The former Schalke 04 winger joined the Ligue 1 giants from Wolfsburg in a £32.4million deal during the January 2017 transfer window and has helped PSG claim four league titles, four French Cups and three League Cups over his five-year stay at the Parc des Princes.

The 28-year-old currently has two years remaining on his contract and has been identified as one of several players earmarked to leave the club this summer.

The likes of Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ander Herrera and Mauro Icardi have all reportedly been offered to other clubs as PSG’s new head coach Christophe Galtier and ‘football adviser’ Luis Campos look to put their own print on the squad.

The futures of former Newcastle midfielder Gini Wijnaldum and Brazilian star Neymar are also said to be under consideration.

A report via Le10 Sport has stated the Magpies have already ‘entered into discussions’ for a move for Draxler and have been met with an ‘affordable’ asking price between £17.5million and £25.5million.

The report suggests Newcastle feel they have ‘a good chance’ of landing the 58-times capped German star and have already ‘presented their project’ to the player’s representatives.

Eddie Howe has already spoken of the challenges United are facing in the transfer market after suffering a number of setbacks in their attempts to add further new faces to their squad.

Speaking to NewcastleWorld, the Magpies boss said: “When you look at how our squad is built, it is not a simple puzzle to solve. We are trying to do that as much as we can.

“We are working very, very hard. If I am not here talking to you or taking training and I am working on recruitment. A lot of work has gone into it, but it is hopefully going to be worth it because, as you say, the next move is probably one of the most important I will make.”

A striker and a winger are the priorities with the final month of the transfer window approaching.