Newcastle United ‘prepare’ offer for winger as Serie A transfer talk shut down

Newcastle United are stepping up their preparations for the return of football after their trip to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp.

The Magpies beat Al-Hilal comfortably during that trip, and they will take on La Liga side Rayo Vallecano - who have impressed this season - in a home friendly this Saturday. Eddie Howe’s men return to competitive action a week on Wednesday, when they take on AFC Bournemouth in the cup, and they will want to pick up where they left off after a hugely impressive start to the campaign.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding St James Park:

Pulisic interest

Newcastle are said to be readying an offer for Chelsea star Christian Pulisic.

According to the Mirror, the Magpies are preparing to offer Pulisic a move away from Stamford Bridge in the winter window, with the American struggling for consistency during his time in West London. It’s not clear how much Newcastle would have to pay, but the asking price might be a little higher given the Magpies are top four rivals for Chelsea currently.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in pursuing a loan deal for Pulisic in January, temporarily needing more depth out wide. Chelsea are likely to prefer a permanent deal unless a very tempting loan fee is offered up.

Skriniar update

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has cast doubt over Newcastle’s reported interest in Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar.

“Despite what you may have read elsewhere, Milan Skriniar is not in negotiations to join Newcastle as of now,” Romano told CaughtOffside. “Chelsea were considering him last summer, PSG have always been leading the race, but Inter are still pushing to extend his contract. A new deal and the captain’s armband have been offered – it’s now up to Skriniar; he has to decide.”