Newcastle United Set to Snatch North East Rivals’ Player of the Season in Shock Summer Move

Newcastle United are currently preparing for a hectic summer transfer window that they hope will help them move on from a disappointing season.

The Magpies officially confirmed the departures of Max Thompson, Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier last month and Matt Targett and John Ruddy were also named on a list of players that are being released when their contracts come to an end later this month.

An option to convert Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move into a permanent switch will not be triggered and the England goalkeeper will return to parent club Southampton.

However, much of the focus will go on potential signings and the Magpies are believed to be keen on securing a new goalkeeper, a full-back, a winger and a midfielder before the transfer window closes in September – and a greater priority could be placed on the latter of those positions if interest in Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali produces an acceptable offer.

Newcastle are one of several clubs that have been linked with a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after he established himself as one of the most consistent players in the Championship in recent seasons.

The Boro academy product has scored 16 goals and provided 17 assists in 154 appearances for his boyhood club and his performances throughout last season have reportedly captured the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.

Newcastle are believed to be one club that has taken a personal check on Hackney in recent months and Nottingham Forest remain interested in the England Under-21 international after they saw a bid rejected for the midfielder during the final hours of the January transfer.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are also said to be monitoring the situation – but Sky Sports have claimed Everton have revived their interest in Hackney and manager David Moyes is believed to be ‘keen to bolster’ his midfield options during the summer transfer window.

The report also claims Middlesbrough are resigned to losing the services of their talismanic midfielder in the aftermath of their Championship play-off final defeat against Hull City.