Newcastle United hatch double transfer plan as Eddie Howe 'poised' to land first signing
Latest Newcastle United transfer news with an update on Jonathan Rowe and Arnaud Kalimuendo
Newcastle United are planning for life back in the Champions League. Eddie Howe's side booked their place in Europe's elite club competition for the second time in three years after finishing fifth in the Premier League.
Although the Magpies lost 1-0 to Everton on the final day of the season, they still managed to sneak into the top-five after Aston Villa were beaten at Manchester United. They finished on 66 points - the same number as Villa - but boasted a much superior goal difference to finish above Unai Emery's team.
Now, Newcastle are looking ahead to the summer transfer window and have made one major decision, with sporting director Paul Mitchell set to leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June. Howe is anticipated to be in charge of the club's transfer policy as they attempt to strengthen their squad.
With this in mind, The Chronicle has taken a look at the latest rumours involving Newcastle...
Rowe move
Newcastle United have set their sights on Marseille forward Jonathan Rowe, according to TBR Football. The Magpies are expected to strengthen out wide after losing Miguel Almiron in January and not replacing him.
Rowe, 22, has enjoyed a fine debut season in France following his move from Norwich City last August. Although the Englishman has scored just three times and added four assists in 30 appearances this season, he has impressed having played just 894 minutes across all competitions.
And it's reported that Newcastle are tracking Rowe's situation and want to lure him to St James' Park after securing qualification for the Champions League next season.
CHRON says: Marseille signed Rowe on loan with an obligation for just £12.5m last summer and that is a snip in the current market. Although it shouldn't be Newcastle's first-choice option on the right-hand side, they could do much worse by looking into deal for the ex-Norwich man.
He has pace, can dribble and has an eye for goal - attributes that make a modern-day winger successful. With Newcastle set to have more matches next season due to European football, they need to have more bodies in the squad and Rowe, at his price, would be a decent pick up.
Kalimuendo green light
Newcastle United target Arnaud Kalimuendo has been handed permission to speak to other clubs as rumours continue to swirl over his future. The 23-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain forward has scored 17 goals in 32 Ligue 1 matches this season and has attracted interest from the Magpies.
GOAL report that Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen are leading the race for Kalimuendo, with Rennes looking to secure a fee in excess of £26million for the freescoring Frenchman.
Rennes president Arnaud Pouille said in an interview with L'Equipe: "He is one of the players who had a lot of contacts in January. We have authorised him to speak with other clubs."
CHRON says: Newcastle are desperate to strengthen up front and provide support for Alexander Isak. Callum Wilson has struggled for form and fitness across the last couple of years, while William Osula is still learning his trade, meaning the Magpies need to dip into the market for another solution.
While his goalscoring record before this season hasn't been impressive, Newcastle should take a punt on Kalimuendo if they can't secure Liam Delap's services. Eddie Howe shouldn't be spending more than £30m on a second-choice No.9 and the talented Kalimuendo would fit that bill.
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