Newcastle United transfer rumours: Magpies battling for Arsenal man as competition hots up for Championship playmaker

The Magpies are set to unveil midfielder Jeff Hendrick, a free agent after leaving Burnley, as their second addition ahead of the 2020/21 campaign following the arrival of goalkeeper Mark Gillespie.

With less than three weeks to go until the start of the new season, we take a closer look at some of the latest NUFC transfer rumours:

Newcastle battling for Arsenal man

One player who has been strongly linked with a move this summer is versatile Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The 22-year-old made 32 appearances for the Gunners last season but it’s believed the club are willing to listen to offers for the player.

According to BBC Sport, Wolves and Newcastle are both interested in the former England Under-21 international, while Everton may make a move.

The report claims no bids have been made but an offer in the region of £20million could be put together.

Maitland-Niles has been at Arsenal since he was six and has three years left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Championship playmaker in demand

Another young player who is attracting interest this summer is QPR playmaker Eberechi Eze.

Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs who have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, who scored 14 goals for Rangers in the Championship last season.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have joined the Magpies, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Eze, who is valued at around £20million and wasn’t in the squad for QPR’s friendly against Wimbledon on Saturday.

Rangers boss Mark Warburton told Sky after the game: “He's a QPR player but there are a few bits and pieces going on.

"What we have to do is just respect that and look after a guy who has come through the ranks here, and he's one of ours.

"We look after all of our players. It was the right decision [not to play him] today and we'll see what happens in the coming days."

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