Former Newcastle United hero set to steal Eddie Howe’s £42.5m transfer target at his new club

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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for a Premier League star they have wanted for years, but an old hero could come back to haunt them.

Eddie Howe is eager to welcome new faces to the club after failing to bring in any noteworthy first-team players over the previous three transfer windows. Paul Mitchell, who joined as the club’s sporting director in 2024, has not been able to show his pulling power with any first-team players yet, but this summer could be a big step forward.

Newcastle United want Champions League football, which is believed to be a ‘game-changer’ for the upcoming transfer window. The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League and could go within a few points of confirming a return to Europe’s top competition with a win against Brighton alongside other results going their way this weekend.

Mitchell is set to be in for a busy summer, with the 43-year-old tasked with contracts renewals, player sales and new signings.

Howe shared that he is working alongside Mitchell on Newcastle’s transfer plans with the window opening in just over a month. The Magpies have had a longstanding interest in one player, who could depart his club this summer. However, another Premier League club are keen on stealing a march.

Manchester City eyeing move for Newcastle United target Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side over the last two seasons, with his side performing exceptionally this season in particular.

Newcastle wanted to sign Gibbs-White since the 25-year-old signed for Forest for a fee worth around £42.5m, but the feeling is that he will cost considerably more this summer.

In February, it had been reported that Newcastle had discussed signing Gibbs-White internally. However, their plans look set to be derailed by former Newcastle player Hugo Viana, who is now Manchester City’s sporting director.

According to the Athletic, Man City are interested in signing Gibbs-White, with the report stating that a move is “in the works”.

Viana recently began his duties with the Cityzens as he prepares to take the reigns from existing sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who is set to leave the club after the Club World Cup in June.

While he had not officially started his duties at Man City, Viana was involved in their January transfer business which saw them sign the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush.

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Morgan Gibbs-White won silverware with a Newcastle United star

This summer, fans are hoping to see more big names join the club in their efforts to push even higher up the Premier League table and be competitive in Europe.

Although he has no experience in Europe whatsoever, Gibbs-White would still make a fantastic addition to Newcastle’s first-team squad.

Newcastle will no doubt be on the hunt for experienced trophy winners to join the side who won the Carabao Cup in 2025 – Gibbs-White fits the bill.

Coincidentally, Gibbs-White won the under-21s European Championships with England alongside Anthony Gordon, who had only played for Newcastle for around six months at the time.

The tournament ended up being the making of Gordon. The 2023/24 campaign saw him establish himself in the Magpies starting XI and thrive on the wing.