Newcastle closing in on three key transfer targets

The club this week signed Christian Atsu from Chelsea in a £6.2million deal.

And United are hopeful of another early breakthrough in the transfer market.

Newcastle have registered their interest in taking Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on loan.

However, the 19-year-old – who scored 26 goals for loan club Bristol City this season – is also wanted by Brighton and Hove Albion.

The England Under-21 international could have to make a straight choice between the two clubs.

Abraham is expected to sign a new long-term deal with the Premier League champions before being loaned out again by manager Antonio Conte.

Another target for the Magpies is Angers forward Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe, an Ivory Coast international, has helped his club reach the French Cup final, which takes place today against Paris Saint-Germain.

A clutch of other sides, including Monaco, Olympique Marseille and Wolfsburg, have also been linked with the £8million-rated player.

And Newcastle are also interested in Leganes midfielder Gabriel Pires.

The Brazilian started his professional career at Juventus and had a series of loans before signing for the Spanish club last summer.

Pires reportedly has a £6million release clause in his contract with the club.