Newcastle United are going to have to spend this summer.
While the exact extent of Newcastle United’s spending power will surely be determined by what happens in the Champions League race, Eddie Howe needs backing either way.
Indeed, Newcastle fans are worried about their lack of squad depth, having failed to truly strengthen their first-team since the summer of 2023.
Luckily, Newcastle believe they can make signings this summer after seemingly coming through the very worst of their problems with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The Newcastle United squad is certainly not the deepest. With that in mind, players in all sorts of positions are being linked with a move to St James’ Park.
One of those is Manchester City youngster James McAtee, although a complication on that front has now emerged.
Bayer Leverkusen move for Newcastle United target James McAtee
Newcastle are among the clubs keen on McAtee, who Pep Guardiola has spoken fondly of despite a lack of starts.
Still, it seems Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are ramping up their attempts to sign him.
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg on social media platform X, the current German champions are now in direct talks with City over a potential move.
Plettenberg adds that Guardiola would like to keep the 22-year-old, though the player himself is open to a move in pursuit of more first-team football.
It’s also claimed that clubs from the Premier League and Serie A are interested.
James McAtee stats this season
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was impressed with McAtee after he bagged a hat-trick during City’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford in January.
Able to operate on the right of midfield as well as in a central attacking position, the England U21 international has scored seven goals in just seven competitive starts across all competitions this season.
| Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 7 | 7 | 0 |
Howe has done a brilliant job in developing players at Newcastle, as is evident with the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
With that in mind, McAtee looks the perfect profile of signing. If they can get him…
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