Yahoo News Newcastle United transfer state of play: Seven deals on the table that will kickstart busy summer
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has already stated that "smart recruitment" will be key ahead of the summer transfer window.
So it is little wonder that Newcastle have already been linked with a couple of sought after out of contract Premier League stars in Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham and AFC Bournemouth's wantaway defender Lloyd Kelly. Newcastle are expected to have some money to spend too and departures are expected in order to clear the wage bill.
The other big question will be whether United can realistically get through the summer without offloading a big name. That wasn't the case in the 2023 summer window when Allan Saint-Maximin was sold to Al-Ahli in order to accommodate incoming business and comply with FFP and PSR rules.
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Here's a look at some of the deals Newcastle could be involved with:
Tosin Adarabioyo
The right-footed centre-back has been looked at by Newcastle and with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman ruled out for the start of the new season, a player of his calibre makes a lot of sense. The name was put to Howe last week but he did not confirm that any deal was close and the player's agent has also been coy when approached by the media.
The proof will be in the pudding if Adarbioyo sees Newcastle as a club he can progress at or whether his representatives or happy to let United be linked with the star in order to drum up wider interest.
Lloyd Kelly
AFC Bournemouth chiefs know Kelly will be going in the next few weeks and are resigned to losing him on a free transfer. Kelly is a former Howe signing at Bournemouth, who signed him from Bristol City, but has a long list of interest from Premier League clubs and abroad.
Again the test for Kelly is whether Newcastle are just being used as a handy advert for his services or if there is a desire to come and work closely with Howe once again.
Conor Gallagher
Chelsea are keen on selling the England international and he is a long-term target of Newcastle. Since the takeover, there have been attempts to take the midfielder on loan.
But with the Blues knowing a new contract is unlikely they seem prepared to take a £40million sale on the Academy product. As he is homegrown it will be a pure profit sale due to PSR rules.
Newcastle have been on the scouting list at Stamford Bridge frequently in the last few weeks.
Ryan Fraser
The Scotland winger has enjoyed a solid season with the Saints and impressed on the South Coast while also admitting he is keen on a permanent move. After falling out with Howe the club are keen to get him off the wage bill and wipe off a saving of £63,000 a week.
Isaac Hayden
The midfielder has been on loan at Queens Park Rangers and has no future on Tyneside. The issue is he has two years left on his current deal but any arrangement to move him on is being looked at.
Jeff Hendrick
The Republic of Ireland international's contract is up at the end of the season and the midfielder will leave for pastures new. Hendrick was a Mike Ashley signing with the Sports Direct magnate allured by the prospect of a bargain after landing him on a free transfer.
But that involved inflated wages and at £50,000 per week it will be a big saving for Howe moving forward.
Loris Karius
The goalkeeper's contract is coming to and end and he is heading to Italy to be with his partner and young child. With Mark Gillespie signing an extension, Newcastle have cover in the keeper department and the Germany Under-21 international will look for a new home in Serie A or Serie B.
