Newcastle United’s top aim for the summer transfer season is to buy a right winger, according to Football Insider sources.
Speaking on the current edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke reported that this is being considered as a “top priority position for Eddie Howe”
Jacob Murphy is now the top candidate in this position, but Howe has long desired to bolster it.
According to Football Insider, the Newcastle manager sought a right winger and a centre back during the January transfer window but was denied the opportunity because the club did not make a first-team acquisition.
However, Football Insider revealed that was done as “long-term planning rather than short-term thinking” as Newcastle are expected to go on a summer spending spree.
Howe wants to bolster the attacking options he has available to him in the final third so the club can remain competitive when fighting for European places.
Newcastle have identified their main target
When it comes to who Newcastle want to sign in this position, PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko is being seen as the “top name right now.”
The 21-year-old is coming into the end of his contract in 2026, which could lead to the Dutch side wanting to cash in during the summer rather than risk him leaving on a free transfer afterward.
It is believed that a fee of £35-40million will be enough to secure his services, and that is being seen as “well within” Newcastle’s price range.
The Belgium international has scored 31 goals and provided 22 assists in 116 appearances for the club since breaking into the first team.
PSR should not be a problem for the Magpies
The Magpies were handcuffed by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules last season, with the club having to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh early in the window to comply.
However, it is believed that will not be an issue for them in the summer transfer window due to the transfer business they did in January.
Newcastle offloaded Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron which has put them in a stronger position heading into summer.
Football Insider also revealed that the Magpies are “well positioned” to offer Alexander Isak a new contract because of that.
