Revealed! The four positions Newcastle United want to strengthen as agencies are contacted

What lies ahead for the Newcastle United squad this summer?
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Another transformative transfer window could lie in wait for Newcastle United as they look to take the next step under the ownership of the PIF-led consortium.

NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies have instructed a number of agencies they are prioritising the addition of a goalkeeper, centre-back, centre midfielder and a striker this summer.

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Intriguingly, the club have also indicated they are willing to upgrade any other positions within their current squad and will be open to other permanent and loan options during the close season.

A first priority will be allowing several existing members of Eddie Howe’s squad to depart Tyneside during the summer and that leaves the United boss with a number of big decisions to make.

NewcastleWorld takes a look at what could lie ahead of a number of Magpies players once the current season comes to a close.

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka remains first choice under Eddie Howe after playing each and every minute of all but one of United’s Premier League and FA Cup fixtures since the former Bournemouth boss took charge at St James Park.

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But the Magpies manager looks likely to conduct something of an overhaul of his goalkeeping options this summer and links with the likes of Manchester United stopper Dean Henderson and West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone are well-founded.

Karl Darlow still has three years remaining on his current deal - but with regular first-team starts still a rarity, the 31-year-old may feel the team is right to depart.

Middlesbrough are believed to be showing an interest in the former Nottingham Forest keeper and could offer him an opportunity to remain in the North East.

Third-choice stopper Mark Gillespie will enter the final year of his deal and could be allowed to depart depending on any incomings and Freddie Woodman’s long-term future should finally be resolved this summer.

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After spending the season on loan at Bournemouth, it is believed both Woodman and the Magpies hierarchy accept this summer will be the right time to part company on a permanent basis as the 25-year-old looks to establish himself as a number one elsewhere.

A loan move for young keeper Dan Langley is also on the cards with League Two, National League and Scottish Championship and Premier League clubs all showing an interest.

Right-back

January signing Kieran Trippier will unquestionably be first-choice at right-back when the new season gets underway and could even captain the side depending on movement elsewhere in the squad.

The England defender has been the sort of high-calibre addition the Magpies hierarchy will try to replicate this summer as they look to further enhance Eddie Howe’s squad during the close season.

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But the situation at right-back beyond Trippier has become a little less clear in recent weeks after an upturn in form from Swedish international Emil Krafth.

With Trippier still working his way back to fitness from a foot injury, Krafth was expected to play second fiddle to Javier Manquillo - but has forced his way into the United side with a series of increasingly impressive displays.

The Swede has just one year left on his current deal, with Manquillo not out of contract until the summer of 2024.

It seems unlikely both players will remain on Tyneside this summer and that leaves Eddie Howe with a big decision to make as he looks to provide competition for Trippier next season.

Left-back

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The loan signing of Matt Targett has proven to be a solid piece of business from the Magpies as the Aston Villa defender has been a key figure in the push up the Premier League table.

But questions remain over whether than temporary switch will be converted into a permanent move at the end of the season.

Targett is keen to secure a long-term future at St James Park but Howe and his coaching staff are reserving judgement until the campaign is over.

Matt Targett of Newcastle United (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Matt Targett of Newcastle United (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Matt Targett of Newcastle United (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Notably, United’s recruitment staff are believed to be assessing alternative options in the Premier League and around Europe.

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United stalwart Paul Dummett is out of contract this summer but Howe has hinted that the Geordie will be offered a new deal.

Jamal Lewis was left out of United’s 25-man Premier League squad in January and was expected to secure a loan move abroad - but he remained on Tyneside and underwent an operation on a long-standing groin injury.

Speaking last week, Howe admitted he would love to see Lewis “show us the player he can be” - meaning the former Norwich City man could yet have a long-term future at the club.

Centre-back

Newcastle will strengthen their options at the heart of their defence during the summer and are monitoring the progress of several centre-backs in the Premier League and abroad.

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Interest remains in Lille star Sven Botman and Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile - although a return for January target Diego Carlos seems highly unlikely.

Dan Burn has enjoyed a largely impressive start to his career at St James Park and will remain a key part of Howe’s plans next season.

Newcastle United dropped yet more points from a winning position at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday,Newcastle United dropped yet more points from a winning position at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday,
Newcastle United dropped yet more points from a winning position at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday,

Fabian Schar has established himself as Burn’s regular partner over the last three months and has impressed Howe with both his ability on and off the ball.

Howe tried to sign the Swiss international during his time at Bournemouth and Schar is in talks to sign an extension to his current deal, which is set to expire at the end of the season.

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Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles has two years remaining on his current deal but has been forced to watch on from the sidelines since Burn’s arrival in January.

The 28-year-old made his first start in seven games in Saturday’s win at Norwich City and only his second since March.

Lascelles spoke about his future last month suggesting he wants to stay at Newcastle “for as long as possible” - but a conversation may well be needed if the United skipper continues to play second fiddle with more competition expected to arrive this summer.

Federico Fernandez has been limited to just seven appearances this season and seems likely to depart this summer as he enters the final year of his current deal and Ciaran Clark’s absence from the Premier League squad indicates his time at the club is coming to an end.

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Kelland Watts has enjoyed a productive season on loan at Wigan Athletic and could be handed another year away from St James Park after signing a contract extension in February.

Centre midfield

The January addition of Brazilian International Bruno Guimaraes was a game-changer for the new look United midfield.

The former Lyon star is an indicator of the calibre of player the Magpies hierarchy want to target and he will be a big part of the club’s plans as they move into a bright new future.

Adding further power, control and agility to their midfield options is high on the agenda for the United recruitment drive this summer with players in Holland, Italy and France all being monitored.

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Joelinton’s renaissance and versatility will see him continue to form a key part of the squad and Joe Willock’s gradual improvement means he will remain on Tyneside next season.

Is this the Newcastle United side that could register a fourth-straight win? (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)Is this the Newcastle United side that could register a fourth-straight win? (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Is this the Newcastle United side that could register a fourth-straight win? (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Many had expected Jonjo Shelvey to depart this summer but the former Charlton Athletic and Liverpool midfielder is seen as a valuable asset by Howe.

Sean Longstaff remains in contract talks and the United boss has indicated he wants the academy graduate to extend his stay with his boyhood club.

The 24-year-old hinted he would like to stay after he started in Saturday’s win at Norwich but it remains to be seen if a compromise can be found.

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The future of Matty Longstaff will also need to be resolved this summer when he returns from a productive loan spell at Mansfield Town and reaches the final 12 months of his current deal.

Jeff Hendrick’s time at the club looks all but over after he joined QPR on loan in January and it seems certain United will seek a permanent buyer for the Republic of Ireland international at the end of the season.

Isaac Hayden is continuing his comeback from injury and still has four years remaining on his current deal.

However, a suitable offer could see the former Arsenal midfielder’s six-year stay on Tyneside come to an end.

Wingers

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The future of Allan Saint-Maximin has been the topic of many a conversation in recent weeks - but it seems only an astronomical offer would see the Frenchman depart Tyneside this summer.

Only an injury has disrupted Ryan Fraser’s undoubted improvement under Howe and it seems the doubts over the relationship between the duo have been swept away by the Scot’s impressive displays prior to his period on the sidelines.

Both Fraser and Saint-Maximin are seen as key figures going forwards - but the future of United’s other options out wide seems far less clear.

Jacob Murphy’s versatility could see him sticking around for at least another season - although that could depend on any possible incomings.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe with goalscorer Miguel Almiron. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe with goalscorer Miguel Almiron. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe with goalscorer Miguel Almiron. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Miguel Almiron’s recent eye-catching performances has not gone unnoticed and the Paraguayan international remains a popular figure within the United squad.

However, the former Atlanta United star is attracting interest from Spain and Italy and could be allowed to depart should a suitable offer be made this summer.

Matt Ritchie will head into the final 12 months of his contract and his six-year spell with United seems likely to come to an end if a buyer comes forward.

One player that seems highly unlikely to be at St James Park next season is Elliot Anderson.

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The youngster has shone during a loan spell at Bristol Rovers during the second half of the season and he will be handed another temporary spell away from Tyneside.

It will mean a step up in class for Anderson with several Championship clubs already showing a keen interest in his services.

Strikers

This is the key area United are trying to improve this summer and adding at least two strikers is at the top of their list of priorities.

The addition of two strikers is believed to be the aim and a return for January target Hugo Ekitike seems likely with the Reims youngster continuing to impress in Ligue 1.

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United have been linked with several high-profile targets with the likes of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen all mentioned in connection with a move to Tyneside.

Despite Newcastle’s obvious financial strength, players of their calibre and standing could remain out of reach for now as clubs established in the Champions League seem a more likely destination.

Callum Wilson remembered a visit from the FA doping team (Image: Getty Images)Callum Wilson remembered a visit from the FA doping team (Image: Getty Images)
Callum Wilson remembered a visit from the FA doping team (Image: Getty Images)

Nevertheless, other options are being monitored and it seems inevitable two strikers will arrive at St James Park this summer.

Callum Wilson’s return from injury could be delayed until the summer but the former Bournemouth striker will remain a big part of Howe’s plans next season and January signing Chris Wood will provide further competition as part of the United’s manager’s attacking options.

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Dwight Gayle still has two years remaining on the contract he was surprisingly handed last summer - but a buyer will be sought for the 32-year-old frontman.

Gayle’s wages could be an issue for potential suitors but the Magpies will work hard to find a new home for the former Crystal Palace striker.