Newcastle United ‘pressing’ for £30m defender deal, West Ham ‘most likely’ destination for Toon target

With the transfer window officially open, Newcastle United can finally start to build for next term.

The Magpies are widely expected to be busy this summer, with the considerable wealth of their new owners and the fine form they showed in the latter part of last season making for a buoyant mood on Tyneside.

But with so much speculation doing the rounds, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest developments.

With that in mind, here’s a selection of Sunday’s Toon-related transfer rumours...

West Ham look to beat Toon to Sarr

West Ham are readying a move to sign reported Newcastle United target Ismaila Sarr from Watford, according to the Sunday People.

The wide man is expected to leave Vicarage Road this summer following the Hornets’ relegation from the Premier League, and has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park in recent weeks.

A fee of around £25 million would be enough to secure his signature, but the Magpies could face competition from David Moyes’ side, who are said to be in the market for a talent capable of replacing the departing Andriy Yarmolenko.

And that could spell trouble for the Toon Army’s hopes of landing Sarr, with the People suggesting that East London is the Senegalese international’s “most likely” destination.

Toon and Tottenham in Ibanez battle

Newcastle United could look to make a move for Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez this summer, but are likely to face competition from Tottenham.

According to Italian outlet Il Messaggero, the Toon Army have already enquired about the Brazilian’s availability, with Eddie Howe eager to strengthen his options at the heart of defence.

But the Magpies aren’t the only side credited with an interest.

Spurs are also understood to be keen on a deal for the 23-year-old, who could be available for around £30 million - despite the £80 million release clause written into his contract in the Italian capital.

Magpies still chasing Botman

Newcastle United remain interested in a deal for Lille centre-back Sven Botman, and are understood be “pressing to close” a deal for the Dutchman, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Toon Army have been linked with the defender since January, and despite strong competition from Italian champions AC Milan, are still hoping to get a deal over the line.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, Taylor claimed that the Magpies have returned with an improved bid for the 22-year-old, totalling in excess of £30 million, and retain an “appetite” to lure him to England this summer.