Steve Bruce’s side are just two points above the Premier League relegation zone with Scott Parker’s Fulham breathing down their necks.
Nevertheless, the Magpies are again linked with a potential summer move – and a pricey one at that.
As per HITC, Spezia will demand a big fee for reported Newcastle and West Ham United target M’Bala Nzola.
The 24-year-old was touted with a move to Tyneside in January, while Fulham reportedly submitted an £11.5million offer.
Likened to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba by Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano, the Angola forward already seems like a summer transfer saga waiting to happen.
And the Serie A club’s general manager Mauro Meluso has confirmed they will demand a “very high” asking price.
He told Italian publication CDS: “His price tag? I have a number in my head, but it is difficult to say today. (The number) I have in my head is very high.
“He had a particularly positive period, not only for the goals he scored but also for the performances he was able to produce.
“At 24, the striker is one goal away from double figures in his first Serie A season and is a newly capped Angola international.
“If we are to save ourselves (from relegation), our players would have a greater value. And they know it, they are aware of it.”
As it stands, Spezia are seven points clear of the bottom three ahead of the final 10 games.
Meanwhile, former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Bruce as Toon boss, if he leaves the club.
At the moment, the 60-year-old is going nowhere after Mike Ashley backed his head coach in the aftermath of the damning 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
But if change does arrive before the end of the season, Wilder is being tipped to step in alongside Graeme Jones at 2/1 (Sky Bet).
Here are the latest headlines surrounding Newcastle United and their Premier League rivals:
1. PSG working on Aguero deal
Paris Saint-Germain are working on a deal to bring Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to the French capital after it was announced the 32-year-old will leave the Citizen at the end of the season. (Todo Fichajes - in Spanish) Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Everton open to selling Mina
Everton will consider offers for Yerry Mina in order to raise funds to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Merseyside club believe the Colombian will fetch in just under £20million. (Football Insider) Photo: Clive Brunskill
3. Arsenal join Vlahovic chase
Arsenal are the latest club to show interest in signing Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic, joining the likes of Tottenham, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Roma and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the Serbian. (Calcio Mercato) Photo: Francesco Pecoraro
4. Man Utd join Sabitzer race
Manchester United have joined Tottenham and Liverpool in the race for RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer, who has made it clear to the Bundesliga club that he wants to leave this summer. (Bild via The Sun) Photo: ANNEGRET HILSE