NEWCASTLE UNITED have already lined up two potential summer signings, with moves in the pipeline for defender Matt Targett and midfielder Boubacar Kamara.
Having been forced to scramble through the January transfer window, Newcastle’s recruitment team are determined to adopt a more measured approach this summer.
Their preparatory work for the close season is already well under way, with a deal for Targett having been agreed when the left-back joined Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa in January.
The Magpies are understood to have negotiated a clause that will enable them to buy Targett for around £15m in the summer, with the full-back’s performances in his first month on Tyneside already having persuaded Eddie Howe that the option of a permanent transfer is worth triggering.
Targett has slotted seamlessly into Newcastle’s starting line-up, and with Lucas Digne having established himself as Aston Villa’s first-choice left-back following his switch from Everton, the 26-year-old is keen to make a permanent move to St James’ Park this summer.
Members of the Newcastle hierarchy have also held talks with Kamara’s representatives about a possible summer switch to Tyneside, although the Magpies face fierce competition for the 22-year-old, who is set to be one of the most highly sought-after players in Europe come the end of the season.
Kamara, a France Under-21 international, is due to become a free agent this summer, and has reportedly turned down the offer of a new deal at his current employers, Marseille, because he thinks he can earn significantly more elsewhere.
An industrious and energetic central midfielder, who tends to play in a defensive role, Kamara has made 23 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, helping Marseille climb to third position in the French top-flight.
His availability on a free transfer makes him an extremely desirable summer option, although the French media claim his representatives are demanding wages of around £150,000-a-week.
Newcastle officials have flagged up their interest, with Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace also involved in preliminary discussions with Kamara’s agents.
As well as looking to recruit players from outside the club this summer, Howe is also keen to tie down a number of current first-team players who are nearing the end of their contracts.
Talks are already under way with Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff, both of whom have entered the final six months of their current deals, with Howe hoping both players will sign a new contract before the end of the season.
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