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Paul Mitchell handed ‘huge’ transfer boost as Newcastle United close in on Champions League return

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Newcastle United could have a very exciting summer ahead of them if they qualify for the Champions League.

The Magpies are closing in on qualification, moving up to third in the Premier League table with two games to go.

Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea has put Eddie Howe’s side on the brink of guaranteeing a top five finish, which could open up a lot of avenues for the club in the transfer market.

While Howe insists that Newcastle’s transfer targets will not change, being a Champions League club certainly makes a move to St James’ Park more appealing for potential signings.

Mark Bosnich expects ‘huge’ summer if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League

That is the view of former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, who has spoken to Sky Sports News on Monday morning about Newcastle United’s bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Bruno Guimaraes celebrates after scoring Newcastle United's winning goal against Chelsea.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

“Yes, I think Newcastle will be in that top five,” he said.

“It was a wonderful performance in the first half. In the second half they really slackened off but that was to do with the sending off. Understandably, the players thought we’re here at home, we’ve played so well. Chelsea did improve even though they were down to 10 men, but it was a very important win.

“They’ve still got to play Arsenal. I know it’s away from home. Arsenal have done brilliantly to come from 2-0 down [against Liverpool] but they haven’t been the most reliable. Being knocked out of the Champions League will really have a downer on their mentality. They [Newcastle] could end up in second place.

“It’s been a fantastic season for Eddie Howe and his men. You always worry because last season’s Champions League campaign was a little bit bruising. They were unfortunate being in that group of death. One of the teams they faced got to the final and another got to the semi-final.

“Winning a trophy is always so important, and now from a club perspective going forward and wanting to play in what is arguably the best cup competition in the world, the Champions League, that is a huge thing. Not only for keeping the best players, Alexander Isak comes to mind, but if they want to recruit. Having that to say ‘we’ll be playing Champions League football next season’ is absolutely huge for them.”

Eddie Howe can make Paul Mitchell’s transfer quest easier

If Newcastle United do qualify for the Champions League, you can all but guarantee that they will not sell any of their top stars.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 LiverpoolLiverpool36 25 8 3 83 37 46 83
2 ArsenalArsenal36 18 14 4 66 33 33 68
3 NewcastleNewcastle36 20 6 10 68 45 23 66
4 Man CityManchester City36 19 8 9 67 43 24 65

Alexander Isak will be too expensive, while Troy Deeney says Newcastle simply cannot sell Sandro Tonali.

Financially, Newcastle will be in a strong position. Meanwhile, the likes of Isak will see that they can achieve their ambitions on Tyneside rather than seek a move away.

Not only that, but it will be easier for Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell to overhaul Eddie Howe’s squad.

Newcastle want at least three signings, and that would be much more challenging without the lure of Champions League football.

It was recently reported that Dean Huijsen wants Champions League football, with the 20-year-old defender on Newcastle’s radar.

While the Magpies might be able to offer him that, a move to Tyneside appears to be unlikely at this stage.

Elsewhere, Newcastle are interested in Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.