Newcastle transfers: Eddie Howe looks to steal march on Liverpool, Real Madrid in chase for £60m midfielder

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to go head-to-head with both Liverpool and Spanish giants Real Madrid in the race to sign a highly-rated Ligue 1 midfielder this summer.

Toon boss Eddie Howe is expected to be heavily backed in the upcoming transfer window especially if, as expected, Newcastle secure Champions League football with a top-four finish.

All areas of Howe’s team are being looked at in terms of building a squad that can cope with the demands of the Premier League and top-level midweek European action.

And, according to Football Insider, one player that Howe very much has his eye on is Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.

The 22-year-old’s current contract in France runs out in the summer of 2025, meaning Nice are in a strong position in terms of a sale.

The report adds that Nice are willing to listen to offers from £60million for Thuram, who they are open to selling this summer due to the amount of interest in the player.

The France international has made 45 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and adding a further two assists.

And despite confirmed interest from both Liverpool and Real, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for the midfielder.

Football Insider reported in late April that the cash-rich St James’ Park outfit want to make three statement signings this summer.

Maddison, Tierney also on Newcastle radar

Indeed, Leicester playmaker James Maddison and Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney are also on their radar.

Howe is making a point of bringing in proven Premier League performers, as is the case with Maddison and Tierney.

And although Thuram has never played in England, his talent level and playing style suggests he will have no issues adapting.

Newcastle’s enhanced profile, given their big-money takeover and subsequent performances on the pitch, gives them an excellent opportunity to match their rivals in terms of signing the best young talent from across Europe.

Howe’s men currently sit third in the Premier League, two points clear of Manchester United who have a game in hand. However, more importantly, they are six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool who have played a game more.

Next up for Howe’s men is a massive home clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

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