Magpies Hold Initial Talks With World-Class Player’s Camp Over Stunning Move Amid £8m-Yearly Wage Demand

Newcastle United’s priorities this summer are a new first-choice goalkeeper and a wide attacker. After the £69 million sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Sporting Director Ross Wilson and manager Eddie Howe are overseeing a squad rebuild focused on lowering the average age and improving technical quality.

With Aaron Ramsdale’s loan ending and several backups expected to leave, Newcastle need a long-term replacement for Nick Pope.

The club are also close to a £24 million deal for a 20-year-old goalkeeper, seen as a long-term project rather than an immediate No.1. Other targets include Bart Verbruggen of Brighton and Robin Risser of Strasbourg.

In attack, Newcastle are working on reinvestment following Gordon’s exit, using a “one out, one in” approach. Víctor Muñoz of Osasuna is a key target, with a £35 million bid plus add-ons reportedly submitted as a direct replacement on the left wing.

The club are also close to a £21.6 million deal for Swedish winger Zadok Yohanna of AIK, ahead of competition from clubs including Chelsea and Brighton. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen remains an admired option if they move for a proven Premier League attacker.

At right-back, Newcastle are preparing for possible departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, with reinforcements needed to support Tino Livramento.

On the striker front, Newcastle are reportedly in talks with Dušan Vlahović’s representatives over a possible free transfer from Juventus.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, contract talks between Vlahović and Juventus have stalled. The striker prefers to stay in Turin, but there is a gap in wage demands, with the player asking for around €8 million per year while Juventus are offering €6 million.

A breakthrough now looks unlikely, raising the possibility of a free transfer at the end of the month. His father, Miloš Vlahović, is said to have spoken with several clubs, including Newcastle and Chelsea.

However, Newcastle are not believed to be prioritising a striker and are unlikely to break their wage structure for a player with injury concerns and inconsistent form. With no European football next season, a move is also less attractive from the player’s side.

Despite the reports, doubts remain over the seriousness of Newcastle’s interest, with some viewing the links as part of negotiation pressure around Juventus rather than an advanced transfer move.