Managing Newcastle – midfield rebuild complete and Howe's £50m transfer dilemma

The club's poorest showing in five years has not only led to continued investment but also to the departures of key stars Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Despite Howe losing integral pieces of his team, it's been full-steam ahead for the Englishman and the Newcastle hierarchy in their attempts to rebound from the 25/26 campaign and make a return to European football.

The new season is less than a month away, and the Magpies' current starting XI could look drastically different in their opener against Liverpool if they clinch a number of possible moves. Chronicle Live takes a look at numerous transfers Newcastle could secure in the coming weeks.

The Magpies have already made a move for a goalkeeper this summer after forking out £18.5million for Stade Reims star Ewen Jaouen. Yet to play top-division football in his career, the 20-year-old's acquisition is likely one for the future.

Given the Frenchman's inexperience and the departures of Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy and Max Thompson, Howe's side remain in the goalkeeper market with top target James Trafford continuing to be subject to intense interest.

Despite their long-term interest in the £50m-rated Trafford, the Magpies have yet to follow up on his situation this past week. Trafford's outward confidence and ability to play out from the back would prove advantageous for Howe, who'll aim to restore self-belief to a team that struggled heavily last season.

As of now, Newcastle are set to stick with Nick Pope as their first choice for pre-season, with Jaouen expected to provide competition as back-up.

The £100m sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham has left the Magpies in need of midfield reinforcements. Chronicle Live understands Spurs star Lucas Bergvall was offered to Newcastle and the club enquired on a price tag with some numbers suggested, but an official bid is yet to be lodged.

Spurs believe they can get £50m for the 20-year-old, who has made 78 appearances for the north London side. The Swede's Premier League experience, despite his tender years, coupled with his obvious talent, could see him become a building block of the future at St James' Park.

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Tottenham would be keen for a bidding war with Nottingham Forest to break out for the midfielder, with Newcastle looking to stick to their valuation of the player. Standing at 6'2, the midfielder's impressive physical frame complements his on-ball technical ability extremely well and could prove to be a fruitful partner for Bruno Guimaraes - should the Brazilian remain in the North East this summer. If not, a further midfield may even be needed.

The Magpies do have several irons in the fire if a deal for the Swede doesn't pan out. Auxerre attacker Kevin Danois is another player the club admires, although he is seen as more of an attacking option.

Another midfield reinforcement Newcastle are in the market for is Brazil international Danilo Santos. The 25-year-old is well-known to the Premier League, having played for Nottingham Forest from 2023 to 2025 before signing for Botafogo.

Danilo's return to Brazil saw him rediscover his form and confidence, earning him a place in his country's World Cup squad. His versatility at the six and eight positions makes him an appealing option for Howe alongside his previous experience in English football.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

The midfielder, who managed 10 goals and three assists in 20 matches across all competitions for his club, is valued at around £25m, and could prove to be a bargain signing for Newcastle should he continue on his current upward trajectory after rebuilding his career in his homeland.