It’s set to be a busy summer for Howe and his recruitment team, who seem determined to add quality and athleticism to their squad despite their financial constraints.
It may be a stretch to suggest that Newcastle will endure something of a squad overhaul this summer, but players will need to be sold in order to comply with PSR.
The club are determined to offload players on the periphery of things rather than their stars like Bruno Guimaraes, and should be safe in that regard.
And in terms of their transfer budget this year, Newcastle appear able to spend, and will target a number of signings.
A new goalkeeper is wanted as well as a winger, with Burnley’s James Trafford and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise perhaps leading the way in that regard.
But it also seems as if Newcastle want to add a central midfielder, explaining their interest in a player Howe has already pursued whilst on Tyneside.
According to reports in Italy, Newcastle have now registered their interest in Lazio midfielder and France international Matteo Guendouzi.
Formerly of Arsenal, Gazzetta report that Newcastle have joined Aston Villa in chasing the midfield maverick, who would cost £25m.
Of course, Howe was said to be interested in signing Guendouzi back in 2021, who was on loan to Marseille from Arsenal at the time.
A controversial figure whilst in the Premier League, 25-year-old Guendouzi seems to have mellowed somewhat, and starred for Lazio in the Champions League last season.
Newcastle are well-stocked in midfield, but with Sean Longstaff linked with a move to Leicester City recently, perhaps there could be some moving pieces.
Given all the injuries they’ve experienced of late, Newcastle would seem well-advised to seek a larger squad, even if they did miss out on European football.
Howe will also be keen to prove the club’s ambition to the likes of Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, who will need reassurance that Newcastle’s project will continue to move forward.
