Newcastle United are now competing with the established elite in the transfer market.
Both Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman have been signed amid rival interest from Arsenal and AC Milan respectively and Newcastle have since qualified for the Champions League.
Indeed, that – at least in theory – should make the job of beating other top teams to the punch an even easier process.
The club now boast the means and the environment to do so on a more regular basis, though clearly that does not offer absolute guarantees.
Now, the Magpies are seemingly ready to do battle on that kind of front again.
Newcastle consider hijacking Manchester United move for Kim-min Jae
According to The Sun, Newcastle are considering hijacking Manchester United’s move for Napoli defender Kim-min Jae.
The report suggests the centre-back’s agents were at St James’ Park during the season just gone.
The 26-year-old is believed to have a release clause worth around £42m in his contract that becomes active from July 1.
Man United are still thought to be frontrunners but Eddie Howe is understood to want the South Korea international to cover and compete with Botman and Fabian Schar next season.
Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, is set to be sold.
Signing Kim would be a huge moment for Newcastle
Described as the “best centre-back in the world” by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti earlier this season, Kim would be an eye-catching addition at St James’ Park.
Though neither of Botman or Schar put a foot wrong, the added games and raise in level naturally means Howe needs a bigger and more competitive squad.
To go out and sign a player who has just starred in one of Europe’s most dominant title wins would certainly be a statement, as well as introduce more top-level experience to Howe’s options.
Certainly, beating Manchester United to the punch would make it even sweeter…
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