With Amanda Staveley on the brink of brokering a deal for a Saudi-led consortium to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley, speculation over their summer priorities has been rife.
After years of Premier League preservation being the club’s primary goal, the Magpies are now being linked with a host of names as they seek to climb the table.
Currently sat 13, Steve Bruce has done a commendable job in keeping his goal-shy side closer to mid-table than to the bottom, but it appears that he, like many of his players, could be looking at the exit door.
On the incoming side of things, the club are said to be interested in players from across Europe of all positions and given their potential financial situation, they are one of a small group of clubs not expected to be impacted by the global economic situation.
Here, we look at five players the North East side should look to target this summer.
Odsonne Edouard
A player that has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs of late, Odsonne Edouard has had an outstanding season with Celtic this term.
Bagging 22 goals from 27 league starts, the 22-year-old has stepped up this term and could offer the perfect option for Newcastle.
Joelinton has managed just one goal this term and while he can still play a valuable role, it makes sense to add a goalscorer to the squad.
According to the Daily Record, the Magpies could seal a deal for around £25m plus add-ons, in a move that could provide good value for all parties.
Dean Henderson
Having conceded just 22 goals so far this league season, Dean Henderson has been one of the form goalkeepers.
On loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United, he earned his first England call-up and will surely be looking for regular game time at Old Trafford or a permanent move away.
With David De Gea currently in possession of the number one jersey at United, Newcastle could offer an exciting opportunity for a young and ambitious player like Henderson.
Martin Dubravka has been an ever-present this term, but at 31 years of age, the club could well look to upgrade with the 23-year-old.
Wilfried Zaha
Linked with a move to Arsenal and Everton last summer, Wilfried Zaha could finally be set to get his move away from Selhurst Park.
According to The Sun, Zaha is valued at around £60m by Crystal Palace and is very much on the radar of Newcastle, who The Sun claim could spend up to £300m this summer.
An academy graduate at Palace, Zaha had a brief spell at Old Trafford before returning and appears keen to test himself at the top level.
With Newcastle said to be very ambitious it is a deal that makes plenty of sense and even though the Ivory Coast international is having his worst goalscoring season since 2015/16, his proven quality at Premier League level makes him an obvious target and upgrade on their current options.
Houssem Aouar
One of the most sought after midfielders in Europe, Houssem Aouar has emerged as a target for Newcastle according to reports in France.
Reportedly valued at around £45m, Newcastle are to be keen on the player who is said to be a target for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United.
An outstanding dribbler and passer, Aouar is averaging 2.6 dribbles, one key pass and 42.1 accurate passes per match in a struggling Lyon side this term, while he has also scored three and assisted four goals in Ligue 1 so far.
Aged 21, he is the perfect profile for a club looking to build to the future and offers an upgrade on the likes of Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.
Kalidou Koulibaly
In what would be a fantastic coup for the club, Newcastle are being linked with a move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly according to reports in Italy.
The club are reportedly in pole position to sign the 28-year-old due to the financial toll borne by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, who had been linked with the Senegal international.
Averaging 58 completed passes per match as well as 2.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.8 clearances, Koulibaly is rated by many as one of the best defenders in Europe and is said to be keen on a move away.
However, with Newcastle potentially one of the few sides that can afford his wages and transfer fee, it may be a choice between staying in Naples or moving to the North East.
