Newcastle United ‘retain interest’ in £50m striker, Leeds United and West Ham ‘monitoring’ Toon target

Newcastle United have been enduring mixed fortunes of late.

On the pitch, the Magpies have looked good, picking up all three points in their Premier League opening day fixture against Nottingham Forest last weekend in comfortable fashion.

In the transfer market, however, things have proven to be considerably more frustrating, with a number of reported pursuits failing to come to fruition.

Stil, with just under three weeks to go before the window closes, United continue to be linked with several targets, and in particular, a whole host of attacking options capable of bolstering Eddie Howe’s forward line.

With that in mind, here are Friday afternoon’s Newcastle-related transfer stories...

Toon still keen on Isak

Newcastle United “retain an interest” in Alexander Isak, but it remains to be seen whether the Magpies would be willing to up their previous bid for the Sweden international, according to ChronicleLive.

The Real Sociedad striker has already been linked with a move to Tyneside this summer, with reports suggesting that United had a bid of around knocked back earlier in the window.

At the time, it was understood that Sociedad were seeking closer to £50million for the forward, but it is unclear at this stage whether Eddie Howe’s men intend to approach that figure or not, should they firm up their lingering attentions.

Ramos in demand

Benfica could demand as much as £30 million for Newcastle-linked striker Goncalo Ramos, according to 90min.

The 21-year-old has attracted interest from a number of Premier League sides this summer, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United, West Ham, and Wolves all monitoring his situation alongside the Magpies.

It is understood that the Portuguese side are not necessarily averse to selling the forward in the coming weeks, but would ideally be looking to secure a significant fee for a player who still has four years left to run on his current contract.

Dieng set for exit

Reported Newcastle target Bamba Dieng “will leave” Olympique Marseille in the near future, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Senegalese forward is one of a number of attacking targets who have been linked with the Magpies in recent weeks, but has been touted as a potential signing for the likes of Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

Indeed, transfer guru Romano claims that a number of English sides are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who could be available for around £12.7 million.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, the Italian journalist said: “Bamba Dieng will leave Olympique Marseille soon.

“Price tag will be around €15m (£12.7m), more than two Premier League clubs are keen on signing him as talent for present and future.

“Talks will continue in the next days to find a solution.”