Despite recent transfer rumours, Newcastle United are not discussing potential deals for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans and former Real Madrid ace Isco, according to The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson.
The Lowdown: Newcastle transfer targets
According to a report by The Mirror, the Magpies have joined Arsenal in the race for Tielemans, who only has one year remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Elsewhere, Spanish outlet AS have reported (via Sport Witness) that Eddie Howe’s side are set to battle it out with Roma for Isco, who is now a free agent after his contract with Los Blancos expired at the end of June.
The Latest: Wilson’s news
Wilson has now shared what positions he has heard that Newcastle are said to be targeting this summer, with the subseqeuent inference that there is no validity to the Tielemans and Isco links.
Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding piece for The Northern Echo, the journalist claimed: “Also, on #NUFC, have seen this weekend's stuff linking them with Youri Tielemans and Isco, but they're not two names I've heard seriously discussed. The two key remaining priorities this summer are striker and wide-attacker. Plus moving players on....”
The Verdict: Could’ve been brilliant additions
Whilst it is imperative that the Magpies bring in an extra forward this summer, with injury issues having plagued Callum Wilson and with a lack of goals coming from January addition Chris Wood, the likes of Tielemans and Isco would be fantastic signings in the middle of the park for Newcastle.
With Tielemans having represented Belgium 52 times, whilst Isco has amassed 38 appearances for Spain and won five Champions Leagues, the level of experience that those two would have brought to the St James' Park midfield could have been invaluable to Howe’s squad.
Therefore, if Newcastle only have enough funds left for a centre-forward this summer, the likes of Tielemans should be on the club’s radar in January, with Isco likely to have secured a contract elsewhere in the meantime.