Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are considering channelling a significant chunk of their transfer war chest towards Manchester City for the signing of a forward, while another former Tottenham midfielder is also being targeted.
The Magpies have funds available after a number of major departures and are now assessing how best to use that money during the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle have already seen Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon leave for sizeable fees this summer, giving the club considerable spending power as they look to strengthen the squad. Guimarães completed a £75m move to Arsenal, while Tonali joined Tottenham in a deal worth an initial £92.5m that could eventually rise towards £100m. Gordon, meanwhile, moved to Barcelona earlier in the summer.
An electric new forward to help offset Gordon’s departure remains on the agenda. Bazoumana Touré has already arrived from Hoffenheim in a deal worth €50m (£42.8m), but Newcastle are still considering another major attacking addition.
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is now a genuine contender to move to the north east. The report claims Newcastle are ready to enter the race for the Egypt international as they continue to explore their attacking options.
The report states: “Newcastle United are ready to join the race for in-demand Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush.”
Marmoush, 27, is reportedly frustrated by his lack of regular game time since arriving at Manchester City, potentially opening the door to a move this summer.
The situation has been further fuelled by comments from new City head coach Enzo Maresca. When discussing Marmoush and his desire to play regularly, Maresca indicated that players who are not getting enough minutes are naturally unhappy. His comments have added to speculation that the forward could be allowed to leave.
Marmoush could therefore be available for a significant fee, with CaughtOffside claiming Manchester City value the player in the region of £50m–£55m. Such a deal would represent another major investment for Newcastle, but the club’s recent sales have provided them with room to manoeuvre in the closing stages of the window.
Newcastle eyeing two ex-Tottenham midfielders
Newcastle are also looking to add an experienced midfielder to their young squad.
Their pursuit of Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has been well documented in recent days, with the former Tottenham man emerging as the preferred option as the club look to strengthen the midfield following the departures of Guimarães and Tonali.
Højbjerg is reportedly open to joining Newcastle, while a potential agreement with Marseille is expected to cost around £13m. Talks remain ongoing, with the possibility of a deal accelerating in the coming days.
However, according to Daily Mail Newcastle reporter Craig Hope, Højbjerg is not the only former Tottenham midfielder on Newcastle’s radar.
João Palhinha has also been identified as an alternative.
The Portugal international returned to Bayern Munich after Tottenham decided against activating their option to sign him permanently following his loan spell in north London last season. However, he could now be heading back to the Premier League, with Newcastle and Aston Villa reportedly interested.
Importantly, Palhinha is being considered as an alternative to Højbjerg, rather than an additional midfield signing. Newcastle currently favour Højbjerg, meaning the club appear to be looking to sign one experienced midfielder to complement their younger additions rather than bringing in both players.
Hope reported that Newcastle have identified Palhinha as an option while talks continue over Højbjerg, with the Dane viewed by Matthias Jaissle as a potential organiser at the base of his young midfield.
Palhinha, meanwhile, fits the profile of an experienced player Newcastle want alongside younger arrivals such as Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
With the transfer window entering its final weeks, Newcastle now face a crucial period. The club have already made significant changes to the squad, but the potential arrivals of a new attacking star and an experienced midfielder could make the final weeks of the window even more dramatic.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
