Ferran Torres transfer truth as Eddie Howe sets sights of repeating Newcastle United trick

Rogue speculation surrounding Newcastle United and a move for Barcelona ace Ferran Torres has been shot down in recent days but while the tenuous link has been dismissed, a signing of that nature would make a lot of sense for the Magpies this summer.

Reports emerged in Spain last week that Newcastle had been rebuffed with their measly offer of €15m + €5m [£12.6m + £4.2m]. An insult given Barcelona paid an initial €55m [£46m] to sign Torres on a five-year deal back in early 2022. The cash-strapped Catalan outfit still have significant chunks of the fee to be paid off.

The speculation surrounding Torres was swiftly shot down at both Newcastle's end and by the forward's representatives. A non-starter by all accounts. However, Eddie Howe and his transfer team should certainly be in the market for a player of his ilk in the coming weeks and months.

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It is clear Newcastle are looking for an upgrade at right-wing. Torres himself would undoubtedly be a smart, popular choice in that position, albeit unrealistic. The former Man City star is not only vastly experienced but also incredibly versatile.

Last season alone, Torres played 19 games at left-wing, 12 at right-wing and eight as a central striker. Ideal for a manager like Howe, who has already made it clear he wants attackers who can be used anywhere across the front three.

Alexander Isak has proved just as capable out on the left as he is through the middle, while a major positive of signing Anthony Gordon was the fact he has played in three or four different roles in recent years - and looked at home in each.

While at Everton, the forward was predominantly used on the left, although had tried his luck as a striker and on the opposite flank too. Howe has used Gordon as a No 8 at times since his £45m switch, while the player picked up Player of the Tournament at the Under-21 European Championships while being used as a central striking option.

Repeating a shrewd transfer trick like Gordon's arrival this summer will be key to taking Newcastle's attacking options to the next level next season.

“I have seen Anthony play in that position for Everton before he signed for us and we spoke about one of the big things signing him was versatility. So for us he has played left and right and centrally as a midfielder," Howe said when Gordon arrived.

“In training he has also played up front and has done well in those games we have had here. He is a player who has that versatility and a season like we are going into, players who can play in different positions, are so valuable to us."

Back to Newcastle's current business and there is no shortage of interest in a right-sided forward this summer. The Magpies have ambitiously thrown their hat into the ring for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Wolves' Pedro Neto has also been linked.

But two other candidates fit the bill of being comfortable as both a centre-forward and a winger: Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen. Both would be seen as significant upgrades for Howe's side.

Newcastle are looking to strengthen with a new goalkeeper, additional defensive recruits and potentially a new centre-forward. However, you feel a marquee signing will arrive on the right of the attack. Don't be surprised if the new wide option can also be used on the opposite flank or through the middle.