Newcastle United appear to be looking in the Premier League when it comes to potential summer transfer targets.
Both Kieran Tierney and Scott McTominay continue to be linked with a move to St James’ Park as focus on the summer transfer window starts to increase.
Another name frequently touted as a target is Conor Gallagher.
Strongly linked with a move to Newcastle last summer and again in January, it seems as if the Chelsea midfielder could be sold.
The Blues reportedly need to raise funds after a lavish spending spree under Todd Boehly and selling Gallagher – an academy product – would register as pure profit on their balance sheet. That is even despite former manager Graham Potter hailing him as “fantastic”.
Competition, however, is thought to be fierce.
Newcastle and West Ham battle to sign Conor Gallagher
Indeed, according to the Evening Standard, West Ham are prepared to move for the 23-year-old.
Declan Rice, another man linked with Newcastle, is widely expected to leave east London this summer and the Hammers want a replacement.
That also brings in Kalvin Phillips who, again, has been touted as a potential target for Eddie Howe’s side.
The report says Newcastle are seen as strong rivals to any attempt West Ham launch for Gallagher’s signature.
The interest makes sense but Newcastle have a more pressing midfield need
With Jonjo Shelvey’s January departure leaving Newcastle light, it makes sense to target a new midfielder.
Given the links to McTominay too, it’s perhaps safe to say Howe is targeting a box-to-box option there.
Still, and while not to say either McTominay or Gallagher would be bad signings necessarily, they are hardly the deep-lying playmaker Shelvey was last season.
Bruno Guimaraes has already made his desire to play further forward clear and it would seem strange not to try and free him from his deeper role when possible.
Newcastle surely have more pressing areas right now.
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