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Whether Newcastle United are able to activate Dominic Solanke’s release clause this summer

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Newcastle United are set to sign one player from Bournemouth this summer, but there are doubts over whether Dominic Solanke will make it two.

Lloyd Kelly looks set to move to St James’ Park, with the 25-year-old due to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this month. He is expected to sign for Newcastle United, as he prepares to be reunited with Eddie Howe.

Bournemouth are losing a key player, and they could potentially lose someone else who is even more important.

Dominic Solanke is being linked with a move away from the Vitality Stadium, and it has been reported that he has a release clause in his contract. Clubs can sign him for £65million this summer, which would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

Arsenal FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Newcastle United do not have the chance to activate Dominic Solanke’s release clause

However, his release clause is only available for certain clubs.

And HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United are not one of those clubs.

“His release clause is just for the ‘big six’ – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur,” he said.

“It does not include Newcastle United.”

Solanke would have been too expensive for Newcastle no matter what

Solanke has been linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, but a deal is surely off the cards now.

Even at £65million, that would have been too expensive for the Magpies. But now that offer does not even apply to Eddie Howe’s side, with it being reserved for the illustrious and seemingly untouchable ‘big six’.

If Newcastle want Solanke, they are probably going to have to pay even more than £65milllion, which simply is not going to happen.

While he would be an incredible replacement for Callum Wilson should the number nine depart, it would appear that the Magpies are going to have to take their business elsewhere.

This sums up what Eddie Howe alluded to earlier this year. He was quizzed by the media about Newcastle possibly selling Wilson, but was quick to remind everyone how expensive it will be to replace the 32-year-old.

To get a player of his calibre will be extremely difficult, especially given the fact that whoever arrives will be playing second fiddle to Alexander Isak.

That honour will not go to Solanke, who looks all but certain not to follow Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth to Newcastle United.