Newcastle United transfer news as Eddie Howe and Ross Wilson plan summer rebuild
Rico Lewis
Newcastle United will embark on a defensive rebuild this summer as Eddie Howe looks to address some of the key problems in his squad.
The Magpies manager enjoyed success in his first couple of years at Newcastle largely thanks to a solid defensive structure, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall brought to Tyneside.
However, United have struggled for solidity this season, shipping goals at an alarming rate. They have only kept four clean sheets in their last 35 games with Howe admitting the softness in defence has harmed their hopes of success.
The Newcastle boss, along with sporting director Ross Wilson, have earmarked at least three defensive signings this summer as they look to continue rebuilding the squad. One key area is to reduce the average age, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth all the wrong side of 30.
Trippier’s announcement that he will be leaving Newcastle at the end of the season means that United will need at least one right-back – potentially two if Tino Livramento is sold in the summer.
One player who is on United’s radar is Manchester City’s Rico Lewis. The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad and is available for transfer in the summer. City remain keen on Livramento, who has yet to pen a new contract at Newcastle, but United’s interest in 21-year-old Lewis is separate from that.
Lewis, a graduate from City’s academy, has been capped five times by England and offers versatility. He can play on either full-back flank as well as in midfield and will have no shortage of suitors in the summer. Sunderland have also been linked with the player.
Lewis is under contract until 2030 and City are likely to want in excess of £30million for the youngster.
Meanwhile, Newcastle continue to be linked with Real Madrid teenager Diego Aguado. The 19-year-old is on the fringes of Los Blancos first team and could move from the Bernabau in the summer.
Spanish outlet AS claim that several La Liga clubs, plus Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Parma and Newcastle are monitoring Aguado’s situation. The teenager can play as a left-back or centre-half.
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