Sources: Newcastle United working on box-office midfielder signing with ‘huge’ funds set aside
Newcastle United will prioritise the signing of a midfield partner for star man Bruno Guimaraes this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is understood that the Magpies have set aside “huge” funds as they target another marquee signing at the end of this season.
A source explained that Dan Ashworth and his recruitment team are already “scouring the market” for a defensive midfielder and laying the groundwork for potential deals.
Newcastle tried to bring in a midfielder in the ‘number six’ mould in last month’s transfer window but were not able to land their top targets mid-season.
Eddie Howe’s side have since lost Guimaraes to suspension following his red card in the League Cup.
The Magpies have not won any of their five Premier League games without Guimaraes this season – laying bare their need to draft in midfield reinforcements in the summer window.
Newcastle may also be able to offer Champions League football to any new recruits if they can stave off pressure from challengers like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea in the second half of this season.
Anthony Gordon was drafted in for a reported £45million in January as Newcastle followed up the marquee additions of Guimaraes and Alexander Isak with another box-office signing.
Football Insider revealed on 5 February that the Magpies will continue to keep tabs on Conor Gallagher despite failing to push through a mid-season deal.
Joelinton and Sean Longstaff are currently the only recognised midfield options for Howe – but Guimaraes will be eligible for selection again after Saturday’s clash with Liverpool (18 February).
Newcastle are two points clear of Tottenham with a game in hand despite their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last week (11 February).
The Magpies can also seal a first major domestic trophy since 1955 by winning the League Cup final against Man United later this month (26 February).
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