Premier League news: Five players Newcastle United should sign if they achieve Champions League football
In the lead up to the conclusion of the Premier League season, many teams are still pushing for a top five finish to secure Champions League qualification.
For Newcastle United, a 2-0 victory over Chelsea and a key upcoming game at Arsenal will be the deciding game in the Magpies’ quest for Champions League football.
Sports News Blitz writer Matt Mckenry looks at five potential signings that Newcastle could make to compete in the Champions League next season.
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford - Forward)
A big name target than many reports have linked with the Magpies.
Mbeumo has been a key figure in manager Thomas Frank’s Brentford team, having featured in all 36 games for the Bees, registering 18 goals and seven assists.
A signing of this level will almost certainly cost Newcastle 60 to 70 million pounds in order to secure the deal.
However, if Eddie Howe wishes to be competitive then price tag should not be a limitation.
The form of Jacob Murphy will surely raise a few eyebrows as to why such a fee would be paid, however with the exit of Miguel Almiron pending in January, they’re a bit light at the right wing position.
Bringing in a player like Mbeumo would add depth and quality to the formidability of their front line.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace - Defender)
A signing which was close to completion last summer.
Marc Guehi is a great potential target which will undoubtedly strengthen Newcastle’s defensive line.
With Dan Burn and Fabian Schar now on the older side, and Sven Botman having injury troubles in recent years, Guehi would be a welcomed addition.
READ MORE: Premier League news: Chelsea vs Manchester Utd – Five key battles and score prediction
A true modern-day centre back who is comfortable on the ball and playing out from the back.
He would be an ideal partner for the Magpies’ future backline alongside Botman.
Newcastle had a bid of up to £70 million turned down by Crystal Palace last summer, however this summer will be different due to Guehi’s contract situation.
Guehi will be in his final year of his contract this summer, therefore a cut-price deal may be on the cards due to Palace not wanting to lose their captain on a free the following summer.
Douglas Luiz (Juventus - Midfielder)
An outside transfer shout that has been linked to Howe's men, Douglas Luiz has been an established Premier League midfielder previously, with a standout season for Aston Villa that earned him a move to Juventus.
Despite the big move, an underwhelming campaign saw Juve boss Thiago Motta get sacked, with Luiz being linked with a move back to England ever since.
Juve will look to offload those deemed surplus to requirements this summer, Luiz could be on the chopping block.
At a good price, Newcastle could strike a deal on the midfielder who would strengthen the depth of their squad and would allow for the team to maintain its continuity even when rotating with the potential amount of games increasing.
Scoring nine goals and providing five assists in his last Premier League season for Aston Villa, bringing him back to the Premier League at the right price would have little risk, due to already being an established performer previously.
James Trafford (Burnley - Goalkeeper)
A future England number one - James Trafford’s stock rose rapidly following his stellar campaign with Burnley that saw the Clarets return to the Premier League.
Trafford was an integral part in the promotion of Burnley as they held the best defensive record in the Championship.
Over the course of the season, Trafford conceded only 16 goals and kept 30 clean sheets, an astounding feat.
Newcastle have two capable goalkeepers on the books at the moment with Nick Pope holding down the number one spot, and Martin Dubravka deputising.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League news: How a second-place finish would benefit ambitious Newcastle Utd
Despite this, neither have really strong abilities playing out from the back, using their feet.
A trait a modern goalkeeper needs.
Trafford would fit into the way in which Howe wishes to play, allowing for more confidence from outfield players in their man between the sticks playing out from the back, while also allowing him to develop with age.
The one concern on a potential move for the keeper is that of the price.
Burnley being promoted will certainly raise his price as they will want to keep their exciting number one, however time will tell if a deal can be done.
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus - Forward)
A powerful and strong striker.
Vlahovic has been on Newcastle’s radar from time to time, however now is a very interesting time.
With Callum Wilson likely to move on this summer and William Osula still a bit unproven in the league, a new striker could arrive on Tyneside this summer, with Vlahovic potentially a great addition.
The Serbian forward is reportedly set to leave Juventus this summer due to his wages rising over one million pounds per month, putting him at well over 10 million a year.
READ NEXT: Premier League news: Ollie Watkins breaks Aston Villa goalscoring record
A forward like Vlahovic with pace and power would fit Howe’s tactics very well considering he fits a similar mold to star striker Alexander Isak.
The depth in quality this would provide would be massive for Newcastle due to the amount of games and the strain that it will have on players.
Meaning the side’s quality wouldn’t diminish due to rotation.
Overall, each player would have a significant impact on Eddie Howe's team.
Furthermore, ensuring the club achieves Champions League football next year is paramount in any of these options materialising.
Elevating the squad to meet the demands of a European campaign will be at the forefront of Newcastle’s objectives come the end of the season in a few games time.
MORE FROM MATT MCKENRY: Premier League news: Five ways Newcastle Utd bested Chelsea in race for CL football
