Newcastle United need a couple of wins to secure their Premier League status with Wolves visiting St James’ Park next. The Geordies will get more cash to spend on the spine of Eddie Howe’s team in the summer, and will refocus after a defensive setback
Chief Executive Officer of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley walks down the steps of the plane as they touch down in Jeddah with Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe following behind on January 23, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle United are set to miss out on top summer transfer target Sven Botman – but are planning another spending spree.
AC Milan are closing on a deal to land the Holland and Lille centre back, despite Newcastle ’s long running pursuit. The Saudi funded club is ready to spend big in the summer again after their £94m spree to help Eddie Howe avoid relegation.
Botman, 22, was top of their list after receiving encouragement that he was keen to join the rebuild at St James’ Park, despite the club backing away from a price hiked deal in January. But Milan are poised to land the £40m rated star, and have agreed a five year deal worth £20m in wages, with Newcastle looking elsewhere for a centre back.
The club have pinpointed the spine of the team for improvement with a goalscorer, a midfield anchor, and a centre back the priority. Brighton ’s Yves Bisssouma and Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips are top targets for midfield reinforcement, while Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Everton ’s England man Dominic Calvert-Lewin are strike targets.
A new young keeper could also be signed with Dean Henderson and Sam Johnson being watched, which could pressure Martin Dubravka. The emphasis will be on up and coming young players to lower the average age of the squad, rather than fading superstars.