Newcastle United prepare for ‘negotiations’ over midfielder amid ‘interest’ in free agent

Newcastle United are on a mission to improve again this summer after securing a top four finish.

The Magpies have spent significantly over the last year or so, but they must now spend again as they look to take the step up to the Champions League in their stride. Eddie Howe’s men showed plenty of quality in the season just gone, but they are going to need to improve again if they want to put up a fight in Europe, heading into the group stage as a low seed.

As Howe and his recruitment staff identify targets, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Maddison latest

Newcastle are said to be ‘in the race’ to sign Leicester City star James Maddison, who is expected to move on ahead of the new campaign.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “Tottenham and Newcastle are into the race to sign James Maddison. He’s set to leave Leicester, negotiations will take place soon. Postecoglou asked for Maddison but Newcastle are working on this deal since last summer.”

Maddison is in the last year of his contract, and he is not expected to drop down to the Championship following the Foxes’ relegation.

Tielemans links

Newcastle’s Leicester shopping may not end there, with talk they could also make a move to sign Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans will become a free agent this summer when his contract expires, and he is likely to have a number of clubs to choose from. Rudy Galetti has tweeted: “Newcastle are looking for a new MF and they’re approaching Tielemans, one of the top names in their list. As already revealed in April, some clubs ( included) are interested in him. Youri - as of now - prefers to stay in #EPL.”

Tielemans will be a fine signing for any Premier League signing this summer, particularly considering he will be available for free.