Newcastle United transfer news: Magpies receive boost in race for £20m-rated ace, Liverpool eye in-demand starlet striker
Newcastle United will look to continue their solid run of form this weekend, and continue to move away from the bottom three with a good result against Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield.
The Reds have been embroiled in the European Super League controversy since last Sunday night, and the Magpies will hope to use the unrest at the club to their advantage and pick up a shock win over Jurgen Klopp's side.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game, Klopp, when asked whether his side were motivated to kick on after dropping more points earlier in the week with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, claimed: “Definitely, definitely. You can see the intensity the boys put in (against Leeds) – it’s really there.
“We played a lot of good stuff, we could have played even better in moments, I know that – get a bit more clinical and then we will score goals. Newcastle (is) a different challenge, but we’ll face it.”
A win for the Magpies could see them move as high as 13th in the table, while the Reds could move from seventh to fourth in a tightly-packed top half of the table.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will be starting to assess their transfer targets ahead of the summer window opening, as they look to move on some deadwood and bring in some exciting new talent before the start of next season.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Newcastle United and the rest of the Premier League, as the build-up to the weekend action continues:
1. Fernandes' future depends on Pogba
Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes has been tipped to sign a new £200k-per-week contract - doubling his existing salary - with the club, but will only do so if France international Paul Pogba also remains at Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)
Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. Seagulls among favourites to sign WBA star
Brighton & Hove Albion have been named among the favourites to sign West Brom's star goalkeeper Sam Johnston this summer. However, the likes of West Ham and Man Utd look to have a significantly better chance of signing the England hopeful. (SkyBet)
Photo: RUI VIEIRA
3. Man Utd turn attention to Varane
Following news of Real Madrid snapping up Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, Manchester United have been tipped to swoop for Los Blancos ace Raphael Varane this summer. However, they could face competition from Chelsea. (Manchester Evening News)
Photo: Denis Doyle
4. West Ham could spend big on striker
Reports from Spain have claimed that West Ham United are willing to spend an eye-watering £40m on Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri this summer. The 23-year-old, who is also on Juventus' radar, has scored 17 goals in La Liga so far this season. (Sport Witness)
Photo: Lars Baron