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The midfield targets for Newcastle United this summer are James Maddison and Scott McTominay, according to sources speaking to soccer outlet Football Insider.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has identified the midfield as a weakness in his current side, prompting Newcastle to seek a revamp in the middle of the field at the conclusion of the season.
Howe is also eager to sign Newcastle’s Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes to a long-term contract on Tyneside and use him as the centerpiece of his midfield on Tyneside.
Newcastle Begin Stride to Secure Guimaraes to Long-Term Deal
On Friday, media outlets reported that Newcastle will begin negotiations with Guimares over a new contract worth more than £100,000 per week.
The news came after there had been speculation that the star playmaker could depart the club after just a year and a half stay. La Liga giants Real Madrid were heavily linked to the player along with a number of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals.
However, Madrid’s hopes have been dashed according to the latest stories emerging as Guimaraes is apparently quite content in Newcastle for the time being.
Speculation could arise yet again if Newcastle, who are experiencing a stutter in their form as the Premier League run-in begins, fail to make either the Champions League places or the Europa League qualification places by the end of this season.
That task has become all the harder after Liverpool have worked their way back into contention for the top-four places. The Reds stunned pundits with a 7-0 win over rivals Man United on Sunday to jump right back into the race for Europe.
Newcastle to Make Move for Maddison
Newcastle has had a long-standing interest in Maddison, and despite having two bids for the 26-year-old playmaker rejected in January, they will rekindle their pursuit in the summer.
Howe is also a great fan of Man United’s McTominay and is keeping an eye on his situation at Old Trafford, where he is not seeing much action.
According to the sources of this website, McTominay will be one of six Manchester United players put up for sale by Dutch manager Erik ten Hag this summer.
The loss of Jonjo Shelvey in January has damaged Newcastle’s midfield, and Howe is mindful of his team’s lack of depth at that position. Therefore, at least two new signings are expected to come in at the middle of the field and McTominay and Maddison are top of Newcastle’s list.
This season, Maddison has been in fine form for the Foxes, scoring nine goals and assisting on five more in 20 appearances across all competitions.
McTominay has fallen behind Casemiro and Fred in the pecking order at Old Trafford, but he has still made 28 appearances and scored two goals for the Red Devils this season.
In related news, Newcastle United are optimistic about concluding a contract with Bruno Guimaraes as negotiations have been scheduled.
The Geordies face a resurgent Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday in their next vital Premier League tie. The task will be no easy one after Wolves defeated Spurs 1-0 on Saturday to the relief of Newcastle’s top four hopes.
Howe’s side will be desperate for a win after enduring three successive 2-0 losses to the elite of English football in recent weeks.
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