Newcastle United 'make contact' over surprise £7m deal, Toon favourite urges Steve Bruce to make contract decision

That’s according to The Guardian, who claims the Magpies and West Ham are considering a move this summer.

The Gabon international is likely to return to parent club Southampton at the end of the season with Scott Parker’s side in danger of losing their Premier League status.

Lemina is not a part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans for next term and will be available at £7million.

Newcastle and the Hammers are believed to have made initial contact with the 27-year-old’s entourage over a possible swoop.

Steve Howey on “silly” Joe Willock money

Steve Howey believes Arsenal want “silly money” for Joe Willock but remains hopeful Newcastle can sign him on a permanent basis.

The former Magpies defender is a big admirer of the 21-year-old, who has scored four goals in 10 appearances since his January loan move from the Emirates.

Steve Bruce is keen to explore the possibility of signing Willock this summer with his price tag rumoured to be around the £20m mark.

Howey has questioned the reported asking price but admits it doesn’t surprise him.

“I still think it’s silly money what they want for him but in this day and age, it doesn’t surprise me,” he told The Transfer Tavern. “He’s been excellent since he’s come in and has got some valuable goals.

“Arteta might want to bring him back and have a look at him next season but he might also have plans himself to bring in other players, which could mean Willock is surplus to requirements. So here’s hoping that you can get him for £20 million.”

Newcastle urged to offer Federico Fernandez a new deal

Meanwhile, Howey has urged Newcastle to stop “messing” Federico Fernandez about and hand him a new contract.

The Argentine’s deal is due to expire at the end of the campaign – three years on since joining from Swansea.

Howey told This is Futbol: “I’d be surprised if he doesn’t want to sign an extension and I can’t see why the club wouldn’t offer him a new deal.

"As I said before, these are the things that annoy players about not getting new contracts.

“When you’ve got good honest professionals like him and one or two others at Newcastle, they need to stop messing them about.”

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