NEWCASTLE IDENTIFIES JUVENTUS STAR KHEPHREN THURAM AS THE PRIMARY SANDRO TONALI REPLACEMENT
Newcastle targets Khephren Thuram for £52M as Sandro Tonali nears a Manchester United move after European failure.
Newcastle United is considering Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram as a possible replacement for one of their crucial players this summer. However, according to Calciomercato, significant challenges are standing in the way of securing his signature.
After a recent result, the Magpies slipped below Sunderland to 12th place in the league, making their target of European qualification much tougher with just seven matches remaining. Achieving a spot in the Champions League seems increasingly unlikely for Eddie Howe’s squad, as they trail fifth-placed Liverpool by seven points. A top-five finish is currently necessary to earn a place in Europe’s premier competition next season.
Chelsea sits just a point behind Liverpool in a Europa League spot, which means that either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League represents Newcastle’s most realistic route to European football next term.
Calciomercato reports that Newcastle’s interest in Thuram hinges on the potential loss of Sandro Tonali this summer. Last week, there were suggestions of a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ allowing Tonali to seek a transfer if the club fails to qualify for Europe. This remains a realistic scenario, and Tonali might be motivated to leave anyway if Champions League football isn’t on offer at St James’ Park.
Fabrizio Romano recently mentioned that Manchester United is putting serious effort into signing Tonali. Moreover, reports indicate the Red Devils plan to make an official approach for the midfielder once the season concludes.
As for Thuram, his Premier League prospects have been the subject of speculation for several months, fuelled by his current form. Calciomercato adds that Newcastle will likely face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool, both of whom are interested in the French international.
An Italian source recently hinted that Manchester United may hold the upper hand when it comes to signing Thuram. Besides these English clubs, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are also in the running for the 25-year-old midfielder, who has drawn praise for his standout performances.
While Juventus might resist selling, it’s suggested that a bid near €60 million (£52 million) could prompt them to consider offers, although their priority remains negotiating an improved contract to keep his services.
EDDIE HOWE CONFIRMS NEWCASTLE LINEUP SHIFTS ARE PART OF A MAJOR FUTURE STRATEGY
Eddie Howe confirms he is picking Newcastle lineups with next season in mind, trialling players like Ramsey and Woltemade early.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe isn’t pretending he’s already thinking about next season. People have been saying Kieran Trippier is close to triggering a payment if he plays more games, so that might influence whether he features again before the season ends. But Howe brushed that off and said he’s making his decisions purely for football reasons.
Talking to reporters at the City Ground about why Anthony Gordon was missing, Howe admitted he’s picking his lineup with the future in mind. Later, in his press conference, he went into more detail about focusing on what comes next at St James’ Park.
"We’re definitely looking ahead," Howe said. "You can see it in some of the choices I’m making with the team. I want to get a look at some players and see how they might grow into the squad."
One of those players is Jacob Ramsey, who came off the bench, set up Harvey Barnes with a great pass, and really changed the game. "I thought Jacob Ramsey was brilliant when he came on against Forest. He really made a difference, and so did Harvey. It’s good to see players taking their chances," Howe said.
He added, "We have to be thinking about the future now and what the team’s going to look like next year. That’s our responsibility at this point."
Before the match, Howe surprised a lot of fans by starting Lewis Hall at right-back, Nick Woltemade in midfield, and pushing Joelinton further forward than usual. Again, Howe explained he wants to see what players can do in different positions.
"It wasn’t some huge change from Brighton; we kept the same shape," Howe said. "But for Nick, this was only one of a few times he’s started in that role for us. He played alongside Will, and they haven’t had much time together either.
"There were positives for Nick, but he wasn’t involved as much as we wanted in the first half. We still need to see his best on the ball. In the second half, though, I thought we got better as a team. We attacked more and looked like a real threat as the match wore on."
MAGPIES EYE £1M BARGAIN TIAGO GABRIEL TO SOLVE GROWING DEFENSIVE INJURY CRISIS
Newcastle are leading the race against Juventus for Tiago Gabriel, the 21-year-old Serie A defensive sensation.
Newcastle United appear to be keeping an eye on Lecce’s young defender Tiago Gabriel as they consider potential options for the summer transfer window.
With Fabian Schar’s contract due to expire at the end of June, the Magpies are preparing for the possibility of his departure. Although an extension is still on the table, Schar has been sidelined since early January because of an ankle injury and doesn't seem close to making a comeback.
At 21, Gabriel has featured 36 times across all competitions this season for Lecce, who are currently four points clear of the Serie A relegation zone. Newcastle’s recruitment team is among those following his development, seemingly interested in exploring a move once the transfer window opens.
Back in December, reports surfaced that both West Ham and Juventus were also tracking Gabriel’s progress. The young defender, who came through Sporting CP’s academy, has had a strong season and will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
Gabriel transferred to Lecce last January for slightly over £1 million, moving from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. Should he leave this summer, a significantly higher fee might be expected, reflecting his rise in form.
Before joining Estrela Amadora, Gabriel had been part of Setúbal's academy after leaving Sporting in 2020. His performances have earned him regular appearances for Portugal’s Under-21 side, and senior international opportunities may not be far off.
A switch to the Premier League could potentially boost his profile substantially, but he will likely weigh his options with some care.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle continue to monitor his situation keenly as interest around the defender grows.
Regarding Fabian Schar’s future, things remain uncertain even with just weeks left on his current deal. While Kieran Trippier has been publicly confirmed to be leaving upon contract expiration, no similar announcement has come for Schar.
Last week, Howe commented on the defender’s status, noting that no definitive decision has been made yet. He emphasised Schar’s value to the team, pointing out his unique role as a ball-playing defender and his versatility in various defensive setups.
Schar’s influence on the pitch and experience are clearly appreciated, and the club hopes he can regain full fitness before the season concludes. As for any new contract talks, Howe suggested it’s a matter of waiting to see how things unfold.
