‘Newcastle chase three key signings as Quansah and Trafford lined up’
Newcastle United are positioning themselves to make a number of high-profile signings as they set out their plans for the summer transfer window.
This has already proven to be a historic season for the club, who ended their long wait for silverware with victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
There are hopes that manager Eddie Howe can turn Newcastle into consistent trophy winners, and they are also challenging for a Champions League place this season.
If they are to succeed with there is going to be a need to strengthen the squad at St James’ Park, and work to do just that is already under way.
Liverpool and Burnely stars targeted
Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) have restricted the Magpies when it comes to investment in recent windows, meaning incomings have been limited.
Indeed, Newcastle were even forced to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh last summer to avoid punishment for breaching regulations.
This year though it appears the club will not have to worry as much about restrictions as they look to strengthen their squad, particularly if they make a return to the Champions League, or if they end up accepting a massive bid for Alexander Isak.
It has previously been claimed Newcastle will look to take revenge in the transfer window this summer after being picked off a year earlier, and a new update from the Times has identified three positions they are looking to target.
One area they will look to strengthen is their right centre-back role, where Liverpool ace Jarell Quansah is said to be strongly supported at St James’ Park by senior figures.
| Jarell Quansah 2024/25 Liverpool stats | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Minutes per Game | 29 |
| Tackles per Game | 0.9 |
| Clearances per Game | 1.2 |
| Pass Success Rate | 92% |
| Duel Success Rate | 50% |
Newcastle believe that a deal worth £30million plus add-ons could tempt the Premier League leaders to sell, having failed to agree a deal previously when they were willing to pay as much as £50m, and that they hope the 22-year-old will be convinced by the chance to play regular football.
Another position the Magpies are apparently keen to strengthen is in goal, where they are said to be among the “frontrunners” for Burnley’s James Trafford.
Beyond that, a right-sided forward is apparently also on the agenda at St James’ Park heading into the market, to round out those three priorities for the club un the upcoming market.
Newcastle United transfer targets make sense
Football Insider Verdict
At least centre-back certainly ought to be on the agenda at St James’ Park heading into this summer’s transfer window.
Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles – who is out of contract in the summer – are all now well into their thirties.
The much younger Quansah would therefore give Newcastle an important longer-term option in that position, who has already gained valuable experience of the Premier League.
With Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka also both out of contract in the summer of 2026, bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer is a sensible move.
Trafford has already played in the Premier League and his defensive record for Burnley this season as they push for promotion from the Championship is outstanding, so he is another suitable looking target.
Some extra-depth on the right of attack may also be needed, although Jacob Murphy has been excellent in that role this season.
As a result there will no doubt be some sympathy for him if he does lose his starting spot there heading into the new campaign.