Newcastle United 'consider' loan move for Premier League defender as Steve Bruce 'holds talks' with ex-England U21s ace

The Daily Mail reports that Steve Bruce side’s are unlikely to sign top target Ajer, with Saliba now mooted as a possible alternative.

Saliba, 20, is waiting to hear from Mikel Arteta about his plans for next season after spending his opening two years as a Gunners player on loan at Ligue 1 clubs Saint-Etienne and Nice.

He moved to the Emirates for £27million but is yet to make a first-team appearance.

Meanwhile, Bruce wants Joe Willock to return to St James’s Park but the midfielder is waiting to hear whether Arsenal offer him a new contract or sell for around £20m.

Willock scored eight goals in 14 appearances – including a record-breaking seven in seven – having arrived on loan for the second half of the campaign.

Newcastle ‘reignite’ Hamza Choudhury interest

Newcastle have reignited their interest in Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury as they look to beat Southampton to his signature, Football Insider reports.

The Magpies came close to landing the 23-year-old in January, only for the deal to collapse at the 11th hour when The Foxes failed to sign Nathaniel Chalobah from Watford.

However, former Toon target Boubakary Soumare’s impending arrival is set to push Choudhury right down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium.

It is claimed Bruce has already spoken to Choudhury about bringing him to Tyneside, though could face competition from Southampton if James Ward-Prowse departs.

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