Newcastle United briefing - Aleksandar Mitrovic exit talk, central defender chase latest, Tammy Abraham and more

Defenders and strikers seem high on the agenda at the moment.

Here's the latest on the transfer front from St James's Park...

Turkish escape route for Mitro?

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been linked with a summer move to Turkish club Fenerbahce.

The Serbian international is likely to be made available this summer by Benitez, with the Magpies boss keen to freshen up his forward line with the capture of two new forwards this summer.

Over the course of the last week United have been in negotiations to sign Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham on loan.

But they face stiff competition for the 19-year-old's signature from fellow promoted side Brighton, as well as needing to see of potential interest from Leicester City.

Should United land Abraham, who was today named in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships, that would almost certainly hasten the exit of either of Mitrovic or Republic of Ireland international Daryl Murphy, signed primarily to help the club's promotion charge.

And reports in Turkey, via spor.mynet.com, suggest Mitrovic could be a season-long loan target for Fenerbahce.

Former Blackpool defender linked

Newcastle are rumoured to be chasing former Blackpool defender Marvin Zeegelaar.

The Dutch left-back made just two appearances on loan for the then Championship side in 2013.

He currently plays for Sporting Lisbon, and Portuguese publication Record claim that the Magpies could move to snap him up this summer, after a move to Norwich City broke down in January.

Ruben Semedo latest

Villareal are set to rival Newcastle for the signing of the Sporting central defender.

Conflicting reports in the Portuguese press last week claimed that United had agreed a fee for the 23-year-old, but his agent poured cold water on that rumour.

The Magpies are interested, though, and could snap him up for around £12million, despite his £25m release clause in his current deal.

Southampton could also step into the race, with manager Claude Puel said to be a keen admirer.

Florian Lejeune could become Benitez signing No 2

Eibar defender Florian Lejeune could become Newcastle United's second signing of the summer with the Magpies set to trigger his £8.7m release clause.

The centre-back, who can also play in midfield, is a player Benitez has targeted as he begins his rebuild ahead of next season.

Lille edge ahead of United in forward chase

New Lille boss Marcelo Bielsa is keen to take Nicolas Pepe from Angers, ending any hope of Newcastle and Premier League rivals Watford landing the £10million-rated prospect.

According to L'Equipe Lyon and Monaco have also put their hat in the ring to sign the Ivory Coast international.

Arsenal links

England and Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs has been linked with a £15million move to Newcastle.

With Achraf Lazaar and Massadio Haidara potentially heading for the SJP exit door, Benitez is in the market for a left-back.

But it remains to be seen whether he rivals West Brom for the injury prone full-back, especially at that price.