JUST IN: Newcastle hurriedly launch talks to sign star to prevent yet another hijack

The summer transfer window is becoming the most frustrating period of every calendar year at Newcastle United. For all their riches, the Magpies have struggled to get things right in the market over the last 12 months.

The departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer left a sour taste on Tyneside, and Newcastle supporters may now be bracing themselves for more upheaval. Anthony Gordon has already completed his move to Barcelona in a deal worth up to £69m, while Sandro Tonali continues to attract significant interest despite Newcastle rejecting Tottenham Hotspur’s £75m offer.

Such departures should hand Newcastle the financial flexibility to spend big, but they must get their recruitment right. They spent much of last summer chasing targets, only to miss out on several key players before eventually turning to alternatives such as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. It was a transfer window that left many supporters frustrated.

Those on Tyneside have already suffered another setback this summer, with reports suggesting Liverpool moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for Victor Munoz, forcing the Magpies to reassess their plans once again.

Newcastle have reportedly made an offer to sign Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta, while also accelerating talks to sign a defensive target before Bayer Leverkusen have the opportunity to strengthen their own position in the race.

Newcastle rush into talks to sign defender

This time, the Magpies are determined not to lose out on their target. According to reports, Newcastle have restarted talks to sign Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie.

It appeared as though the Premier League side were in pole position to land the defender after showing interest dating back to January, but Bayer Leverkusen’s emergence has forced Newcastle to act quickly.

Following the appointment of former Toulouse boss Carles Martínez Novell, the German club could hold a significant advantage in the race. Their new manager is reportedly keen on reuniting with a player he helped develop during his time in France.

Newcastle, however, have other ideas and have moved back into discussions in an attempt to avoid yet another transfer setback.

Could Methalie’s arrival impact Lewis Hall’s future?

Recent reports have linked Lewis Hall with interest from Manchester United, although Newcastle’s preference remains to retain the highly-rated defender.

Should Newcastle complete a deal for Methalie, the club would at least have additional depth at left-back before considering any potential departures. From a squad-building perspective, securing the defender’s signature could prove to be a smart piece of business.

Who else could Newcastle sign?

That may not be all for Newcastle this summer. The Magpies have also been linked with moves for James Trafford and Folarin Balogun as part of a wider squad rebuild.

With funds available following major departures, Newcastle will hope to strengthen wisely and provide Eddie Howe with a squad capable of competing at the highest level without relying too heavily on a handful of key individuals.