Sean Longstaff and Jacob Ramsey react to Newcastle star amid exit speculation
Newcastle United’s players are stepping up their pre-season preparation while several of them face uncertain futures.
Eddie Howe‘s side head into the new campaign off the back of one of the most successful seasons in Newcastle‘s history, with a return to the Champions League on their horizon after their EFL Cup success.
Newcastle’s summer transfer business began slowly with the low-profile additions of Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia for their academy, as Howe looked to build a squad to complete on multiple fronts.
Anthony Elanga’s arrival in a £55million move from Nottingham Forest is the first headline signing of the Magpies’ window so far, but other fringe players are expected to depart alongside any further additions.
Matt Targett sends Newcastle message as exit-linked stars react
Newcastle and Aston Villa finished on either side of the Champions League’s dotted line by way of goal difference last season as Unai Emery’s side missed out, resulting in a summer of uncertainty for Villa.
Jacob Ramsey could be one star sold as part of a £200m firesale this summer with Tottenham tipped to be a successful landing spot for the Villa playmaker, but it’s not just Villa who will have to sell players.
The Magpies looked set to bank £12m on Sean Longstaff until his move to Leeds broke down last week, but Newcastle are confident they’ll be able to strike an agreement with their promoted counterparts.
Both Longstaff and Ramsey took to Instagram to respond to a post from Newcastle’s ex-Villa left-back Matt Targett, who sent the message of “Week 1” after his return to pre-season training.
Newcastle transfers on the cards after Elanga breakthrough
Like Longstaff, Targett is another player who could be bound for the exit door this summer after almost a year of being linked with moves away from Newcastle, but it remains to be seen if he will indeed depart.
Selling off fringe names like Targett and Longstaff may not be a wise move given Newcastle’s squad depth was hit hard in their last European campaign, but it could also allow for further big-name additions.
Elanga’s arrival has been followed up by reports of a £50m move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, and if Howe can get the best out of the former Chelsea man, Longstaff’s impending exit could quickly be forgotten.