Newcastle United have Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Crystal Palace’s in-demand Michael Olise on their shortlist of right-winger targets, i understands.
The Magpies began what insiders believe will be a summer overhaul by clinching a deal for Lloyd Kelly on a five-year deal on Thursday afternoon. The former Bournemouth defender, who played under boss Eddie Howe at the Vitality Stadium, represents a significant bit of business for Newcastle, who were attracted to his potential and versatility.
The 25-year-old was also being tracked by Tottenham and Liverpool but the chance to link up with Howe convinced him to join Newcastle, who also want another defender to cover long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
But the club are walking a tightrope during the summer transfer window – balancing a need to raise funds before the end of June to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) with their desire to strengthen significantly in key positions.
A priority position is right wing with Miguel Almiron set to depart this summer – and i understands contact has been made with Palace over Olise recently.
The 22-year-old has a £60m release clause, a significant understating of his valuation, which makes him especially appealing to Newcastle.
There is an acknowledgement that Olise, also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United, will have plenty of options.
A viable alternative would be Madueke, who may become available if the Blues manage to land Olise.
Madueke signed a seven-year contract when he signed for Chelsea in January 2023 and played 35 times for the Blues during a season of fluctuating fortunes in West London. Newcastle have already done business with Chelsea over Lewis Hall, whose loan move will become a permanent deal next month, and the two clubs have battled over transfer targets over the past 12 months.
Newcastle’s position is complicated slightly by their need to move on players for PSR reasons before the end of the accounting year.
That means they would be open to offers for a handful of fringe men and are unlikely to be able to complete any deals before the end of the month. It emerged last week that the Magpies could even cash in on Yankuba Minteh, the promising winger who starred on loan at Feyenoord last season.
The Eredivisie side are hopeful of clinching another season-long loan but – in a stark indication of what the regulations mean for aspiring clubs – Newcastle feel duty-bound to listen to offers for a player whose sale would represent an important profit.
Almiron is another the club would be prepared to let go. He has two years left on his contract but, as i revealed back in April, he has suitors in Saudi Arabia – where he had interest during the January transfer window.
Newcastle are also on guard in case Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause is triggered during June. Insiders still feel the £100m clause is unlikely to be met but there is serious and ongoing interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.