Newcastle United table ‘£8.5m’ bid for Ekitike alternative, Club ‘contact’ Tottenham over Toon target raid

Newcastle United are continuing to prepare for the new Premier League campaign, with a number of new signings already through the door, and a positive start to preseason under their belts.

At this stage, the likelihood appears that the Toon Army are far from done when it comes to the transfer window, however, and several high-profile names continue to be linked with potential moves to St. James’ Park.

With that in mind, here is Monday’s Newcastle United-related transfer speculation...

Toon bid for Virginius

Newcastle United have reportedly made an offer to sign FC Sochaux talent Alan Virginius.

According to Le10Sport, the Magpies have tabled a bid in the region of £8.5 million for the precocious forward, and are eager to secure his signature after missing out on Hugo Ekitike.

Competition could come in the form of Bayer Leverkusen, who are also credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, but it’s Eddie Howe’s men who are understood to have made the first move for the promising talent.

Harrison price revealed

Newcastle United will have to pay £35 million if they are to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United this summer, according to The Northern Echo.

The ex-Manchester City winger has emerged as one of a number of attacking targets for the Magpies in recent weeks, and it was initially suggested that a fee of around £20 million could be enough to seal a deal.

But Leeds are said to be digging their heels in, and are “adamant” that they will not part company with Harrison for anything less than £35 million.

Despite the disparity in the two clubs’ valuation of the 25-year-old, it is claimed that the Toon Army are still gearing up to make a formal approach to sign him.

AC Milan eye Tanganga

AC Milan transfer chief Paolo Maldini has made contact with Tottenham over a potential loan deal for Newcastle United target Japhet Tanganga, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Magpies have already done battle with the Italian champions once this summer, fending off interest from the San Siro to secure the signing of Sven Botman from Lille.

But the two sides could be on a collision course once more, with suggestions from the continent that Tanganga is one of the “first names” on Maldini’s short list of potential defensive targets - to the extent that contact has reportedly already been made with Spurs over a possible agreement.