Newcastle now eyeing move for £25m Leeds target who Howe knows really well

Newcastle United are in the race to sign a “magnificent” Premier League player this summer, with it emerging he is now set to leave his club, according to a report.

Newcastle’s summer transfer plans

The main transfer saga Newcastle are involved in at the moment centers around the future of talisman Alexander Isak, who is attracting widespread interest from some of England’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal set to make summer proposals.

The Magpies are determined to keep hold of Isak, but should they be forced to sanction a departure, there are some fantastic potential replacements in mind, having recently made an approach for Lille striker Jonathan David.

Striker is not the only position in which Eddie Howe may strengthen this summer, however, with a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke being plotted, and there is a feeling the Blues may be willing to cash-in on the England international this summer.

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There have also been suggestions Newcastle could pursue a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Nick Pope between the sticks, with Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens on the shortlist, alongside a Premier League shot-stopper.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the EFL Cup winners have Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on the radar for a potential summer transfer swoop, with the Englishman set to leave in the summer, given his side’s impending relegation.

Ramsdale has no desire to play in the Championship, meaning he is set to depart at the end of the season, and there is a relegation release clause in his contract, which could make him an attractive option for a number of Premier League clubs.

AFC Bournemouth and Championship promotion-hopefuls Leeds United are also interested in the goalkeeper, who cost the Saints £25m last summer.

“Magnificent” Ramsdale has experience playing under Howe

The report makes it clear that James Trafford remains Newcastle’s top target, but the Southampton goalkeeper may also be a solid choice, particularly considering his experience playing under Howe.

During his time with Bournemouth, the 6 foot 2 colossus was lauded as “magnificent” by the Newcastle manager, and he has been one of the only bright sparks in a Saints side which has vastly disappointed this season.

SofaScore ranks the five-time England international as Southampton’s best-performing player in the Premier League, and he also impressed at times during his spell with Arsenal, before ultimately being replaced by David Raya.

Ramsdale could be a solid signing for Newcastle this summer, but it is clear to see why Trafford remains the priority target, with the Burnley goalkeeper shipping just 11 goals all season in the Championship, playing a major role in the Clarets’ promotion push.