PIF eyeing club in financial peril to hijack £30m “leader” for Newcastle

Newcastle United find themselves firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification and could use their position of strength to target a talented defender in the summer window, per reports.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans begin to accelerate

The Magpies have put themselves in a commanding spot to secure a top-five Premier League finish and showed no sign of complacency in a ruthless 4-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

With Nottingham Forest and Chelsea both dropping points, Newcastle have climbed to fourth in the table and have the chance to overtake Nottingham Forest in midweek should they inflict the same fate on Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe deserves major credit in a season where the Geordies have also managed to break a 56-year trophy drought. While he recovers from a recent illness, there is a heightened motivation among the group to cap a fantastic campaign ahead of the summer window.

Should Champions League qualification be achieved, exciting arrivals are expected on Tyneside to take matters to the next level in the North East. According to reports, Sevilla star Dodi Lukebakio is on Newcastle’s radar and may be attainable due to his current employers’ openness to a deal being done.

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This would be a massive blow for the Black Cats.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could join the Magpies on a free transfer should he opt not to stay at Everton, signifying that a striking addition could be high up on their wishlist to replace Callum Wilson.

Not having Europe to contend with this campaign has afforded Newcastle more time to recover, but that won’t be the case next term amid their guaranteed involvement on the continent. Now, they have turned their attention towards a potential reinforcement at the other end of the field.

Newcastle United eyeing deal for Facundo Medina

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle want to sign RC Lens defender Facundo Medina, and he could see Tyneside as an attractive destination due to their involvement in European competition next season.

Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, AS Roma and Bayern Leverkusen are also in pursuit of the Argentina international. Due to severe financial problems at his Ligue 1 employers, he is set to be sold for just north of £30 million this summer.

Labelled a “defensive leader” by Arnaud Pouille, Medina has registered a solitary assist in 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Following interest from Marseille earlier in the year, it is suspected that the 25-year-old will leave for a new challenge, and Newcastle could now have a real opportunity to bring him to St James’ Park.

Jamaal Lascelles has been given an unannounced extension, and Fabian Schar will also stay on next campaign. Either way, Medina’s versatility would make him a smart addition to help cope with the strain of a congested fixture schedule, capable of playing centre-back or left-back.