Newcastle transfers state of play: 35-goal Bundesliga bargain with astonishing €18m release clause

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe simply cited he wanted to sign "good players" this summer after facing questions on the summer window.

Howe also stated he may be saying goodbye to one or two players later this summer but knows that some additions are needed to bolster a squad that has been battered by injuries and suspension this term. It's set to be an interesting old summer, and Howe may afford himself a wry smile about the number of players he is linked with.

But by the same token, his phone will be red hot with agents who want to take their clients to St James' Park.

READ MORE: Newcastle United details of pre-season trip to Japan revealed

Here's a look at today's transfer stories involving Newcastle:

Serhou Guirassy

There's a whirlwind of talk in the Bundesliga that Serhou Guirassy has played his last game for Stuttgart this weekend. The sharpshooter has 30 goals in 35 games to his name and notched two in Stuttgart's final day rout of Borussia Monchengladbach.

Astonishingly, the 28-year-old, who signed for Stuttgart from Rennes last summer, has a release clause of just €18million with clubs queuing up to do a deal. Newcastle have looked at the player and are included on a list of clubs linked with the star this summer according to Bild.

Borussia Dortmund are also keen on his services and tipped as his next destination with the lure of Champions League football on offer again plus the chance to play in front of the Yellow Wall.

Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß said: "I have no reason to think that he will play the last game for us. Nevertheless, I'm not naive enough to know that there are probably one or two interested parties. In the end he has to let his gut feeling decide. We have to wait."

Conor Gallagher

The Chelsea star seems set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer and Newcastle scouts have been in the stands in recent weeks to watch the Blues. Gallagher has been linked with Newcastle for the last couple of seasons.

It looks like Chelsea will not renew the England international's contract and he will leave the capital club this summer. That would leave the Blues to pick up what would be a pure profit fee of £50million in the eyes of the PSR world, and it would be a fee not to be sniffed at.

However, reports in Sunday's edition of the Daily Telegraph credit Aston Villa with interest in the midfielder. Newcastle would have competition for Gallagher from Tottenham Hotspur too, if they decide to make their move for the Chelsea Academy product.

Kasey McAteer

The winger has been linked with an exit at newly promoted Leicester City having played 23 times and scored six times in the Championship. McAteer has a contract until 2025 and would command a fee.

Newcastle are certainly in the market for another winger but would face competition from Crystal Palace.

Jarrad Branthwaite

The Cumbrian has been linked with Newcastle and watched this season by head of recruitment Steve Nickson. With Everton under pressure to sell players to comply with PSR rules and avoid another points deduction, the Toffees may have little choice but to part company with the 21-year-old star.

Sunday morning reports say that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing offers for the highly-rated centre-back.