Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Swansea City captain Matt Grimes, though Southampton could hold an advantage in the pursuit of the 25-year-old [Hampshire Live].

The Lowdown: The Magpies gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season

As Steve Bruce’s men gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season, they now have seemingly turned their attention towards the Swansea anchor man.

Despite failing to venture into the summer transfer window as of yet, the Toon have been linked heavily with moves for the likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Conor Hourihane, respectively.

However, Newcastle have now seemingly identified the Exeter-born man as a potential target.

Presumably, this could to replenish the hole left in midfield following the return of star man Joe Willock to parent club Arsenal after his loan stint ended [METRO].

The Latest: Southampton hold an advantage in Grimes' negotiations

Currently, Grimes is attracting the attention of the Geordies alongside Premier League rivals Southampton [Hampshire Live]. Despite this, the Saints may hold a key trump card in any potential negotiations.

Quoted as being available for around a mere £8 million [Chronicle], Southampton hold the unlikely benefit of possessing former Swansea City target Michael Obafemi [Hampshire Live].

Said to be close to making a loan move to the Liberty Stadium in January, the move was only curtailed due to the Irishman suffering a muscle injury [BBC]. Now back fit and raring to go, there could be potential for a swap deal between the two clubs [Hampshire Live].

The Verdict: Newcastle United should prioritise recruiting Grimes as they build for next campaign

Undoubtedly, losing out on bringing Grimes to St James’ Park would be a blow for the Magpies in the infancy of their 2021/22 season. Making 51 appearances across all competitions last season, the midfield enforcer registered nine goal contributions; four goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Labelled as “brilliant” by current manager Steve Cooper [Swansea City FC Official], the Jacks’ talisman made an impressive two tackles on average per 90 minutes in the previous year [WhoScored].

Needing reinforcements as they look to build on their 12th placed Premier League finish last time out [BBC], North-East giants Newcastle should look to beat off all competition for Grimes’ signature by whatever means.

In other news, Alan Nixon issues a promising Newcastle United budget update.