Newcastle United are in the middle of a tight race for Champions League football, but they’re already making moves behind the scenes as they prepare for next season.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Magpies have established themselves as front runners in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer.
The creative midfielder has been identified as a key target to bolster the squad, especially if they lose Sandro Tonali.
The Italian midfielder is reportedly open to a summer exit despite helping Newcastle end their 70-year wait for silverware by winning the League Cup.
Serie A giants Juventus have made Tonali their priority target and are preparing to tempt Newcastle’s resolve with a player-plus-cash proposal involving ex-Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz.
The uncertainty surrounding Tonali’s future has prompted Newcastle to consider replacements, and Eze has emerged as a standout option.
The 25-year-old has returned six goals and 11 assists in 33 games across all competitions this season and has a £60 million release clause in his contract.
He has two years left on his contract, so the Eagles are not under pressure to negotiate a lower fee.
If Newcastle are going to land Eze, they’d have to trigger his release clause – a fee they’re prepared to match if they can balance the books with a high-profile exit.
Newcastle have yet to tap into the vast wealth of their Saudi Arabian ownership, no thanks to the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
That could change if they return to the Champions League next season, but Tonali’s exit would allow Newcastle to proceed with a deal for Eze.
Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Eze and plans to hand him a starring role in his trademark three-man midfield.
Eze has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, but Newcastle are currently leading the race.
