Pole position : Newcastle has signed Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City target 

Pole position : Newcastle has signed Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City target

Newcastle: Magpies “favourites” for Dominik Szoboszlai

The RB Leipzig midfielder is believed to have been made a primary target by PIF and Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United have emerged as “firm favourites” to bring RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to the Premier League, according to journalist Bence Bocsak.

Is Dominik Szoboszlai leaving RB Leipzig?
Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his central ranks during the upcoming window and has highlighted the 22-year-old as a player that he would like to try and bring to the northeast in the weeks and months ahead.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that the Hungary international is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from PIF and Eddie Howe who have made him a “top target” after previously sending scouts to watch him twice within the space of a fortnight.

Marco Rose’s talisman has openly admitted that he “dreams” of joining a “big club” and named England as one of three countries alongside Spain and Germany as a possible destination, and despite there also being interest from Liverpool, it sounds like the black and white stripes are the ones currently in pole position.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?
Taking to Twitter, Bocsak claimed that Newcastle are leading the race to land Szoboszlai who is apparently attracted by the ongoing project at St. James’ Park. He wrote:

“My latest info on Szoboszlai. Leipzig are willing to reluctantly let him go. Many parties interested, but no one ready to pay his €70m [£60m] release clause. #NUFC are firm favourites, and their project is appealing. He also has other interest from Spain and PL. #LFC like him, but not in the race at this stage.”

Newcastle going to the lengths that they have in their pursuit of Szoboszlai shows just how serious they are about securing his services, and having been dubbed a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, PIF should 100% cash out on the attacking midfielder.

The EM Sports Consulting client clocked up 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and as recognition for his high standard of performances, received four man-of-the-match awards.

The Champions League participant was also a constant threat even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet during the previous term, recording 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his teammates and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Szoboszlai, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions in midfield and attack, is additionally appreciated on the international stage having been named Hungary’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, so it would be a massive coup for the Magpies boss should he successfully land his target.

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How Newcastle feel about Dominik Szoboszlai’s asking price

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make their first move to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, but his asking price could be an issue.

The 22-year-old’s season came to an end on Saturday, with Leipzig beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to win the DFB-Pokal. Szoboszlai was on the scoresheet, netting his 10th goal of the season to help win his second ever trophy as a Leipzig player

However, there is a chance that he has now played his final ever game for the club. The Hungarian has refused to commit his future to the Bundesliga side, and Newcastle are braced to test Leipzig’s resolve.

Newcastle think Dominik Szoboszlai is valued too highly

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are going to make their first move for Szoboszlai in the next few days.

However, the report adds that the Magpies do not want to pay the attacking midfielder’s release clause. His current contract has a clause that means he can leave Leipzig for £60million. But Newcastle feel like that figure is overinflated.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make their first move to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, but his asking price could be an issue.

The 22-year-old’s season came to an end on Saturday, with Leipzig beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to win the DFB-Pokal. Szoboszlai was on the scoresheet, netting his 10th goal of the season to help win his second ever trophy as a Leipzig player.

However, there is a chance that he has now played his final ever game for the club. The Hungarian has refused to commit his future to the Bundesliga side, and Newcastle are braced to test Leipzig’s resolve.

Newcastle think Dominik Szoboszlai is valued too highly

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are going to make their first move for Szoboszlai in the next few days.

However, the report adds that the Magpies do not want to pay the attacking midfielder’s release clause. His current contract has a clause that means he can leave Leipzig for £60million. But Newcastle feel like that figure is overinflated.

Therefore, Dan Ashworth will reportedly look to negotiate a lower price for a ‘special‘ player who could prove to be an exciting alternative to James Maddison.

However, the Leicester City star could actually prove to be cheaper, with a new report stating that the England international is currently valued at £40million.

It might all come down to competition. If more clubs are keen on Maddison then they will likely get more than £40million for him. In contrast, if no one else is keen on Szoboszlai then Newcastle might be able to wangle the price down, as it has been claimed that Leipzig are resigned to him leaving this summer.

Newcastle are in a commanding position, meaning they do not need to rush into anything. The Magpies have months to get the summer recruits they want, while they have a variety of different options for each position.

If Leipzig refuse to budge over their asking price then Newcastle have the option of going elsewhere. But if we are the only serious buyer then the German side might simply be forced to lower their demands.

Newcastle United interest in Southampton player emerge

Newcastle United set to compete with Liverpool, Chelsea for Romeo Lavia this summer

Newcastle United are set to join the race to sign Romeo Lavia this summer.

According to the Telegraph, the Magpies are targeting a move for the midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

Lavia has been subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks, following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.

How much did Romeo Lavia cost Southampton?

The 19-year-old was a standout performer in an otherwise underwhelming team

Lavia made the switch to St. Mary’s last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth a reported £14 million.

The Premier League champions also hold a £40 million buy-back clause that is not active until the summer of 2024.

Who is interested in signing Romeo Lavia from Southampton this summer?

But with the Saints suffering relegation, the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool may see an opportunity to take advantage of the situation by poaching the talented youngster.

Newcastle are now also potentially interested in joining the race for the Southampton starlet.

Who are Newcastle United’s transfer targets this summer?

Eddie Howe is hoping to add two new midfielders to his ranks this off-season, with a number of players identified as possible targets.

Lavia has been named alongside the likes of Khéphren Thuram, Moises Caicedo and Kalvin Phillips.

A move for James Maddison is also being considered following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for next season so will be looking to build a side capable of competing in Europe as well as in the Premier League.

Howe’s side finished fourth in the table, so will be aiming to maintain their top four position in the top flight, while also trying to close the gap to the likes of Man City.

Meanwhile, Southampton will want to extract the maximum value they can in any potential sale of Lavia in order to boost their chances of gaining promotion straight back on the first attempt.

Should Southampton cash-in on Romeo Lavia this summer?

Selling Lavia may be the only step forward for Southampton now given the number of clubs circling

If a team comes in with an offer near the £40 million mark then that would represent great business for the Saints given the £14 million it cost to sign him last year.

That money could then be reinvested back into the first team squad, which will be needed to aid their promotion challenge.

It could be a busy summer ahead at St. Mary’s, as it is unlikely Lavia will be the only key player targeted with a big-money move

Mislav Orsic

Trabzonspor have made an offer to sign Mislav Orsic from Southampton in a deal that could be worth up to €4.5m.

Will Mislav Orsic leave Southampton?

The Croatian international only joined Saints in January, and his arrival was seen as a coup for the south coast side. The 30-year-old, who can play in various attacking roles but is best from the left, had starred for former club Dinamo Zagreb, which included scoring regularly in Europe.

However, things didn’t go to plan for him at Southampton. Initially, Orsic was frozen out under Nathan Jones, whilst that didn’t change under Ruben Selles.

The attacker made just one league appearance, as a sub, and regularly failed to make the matchday squad during the run-in.

Even though there will be a change in management, an exit always felt likely for Orsic, and it appears there is an offer on the table.

That’s after Turkish media outlet Karadeniz claimed that Trabzonspor have made an approach to Southampton that will see them take Orsic on loan with a purchase option of €4.5m as part of the deal.

Whilst that wouldn’t give the club any immediate funds, it would free up more space on the wage bill as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

Orsic joined Southampton for around £8m and signed a contract to remain at St. Mary’s Stadium until the summer of 2025.

Southampton set for major clearout this summer

The deal to bring Orsic to the club did look a smart one at the time, as he had shone for Dinamo Zagreb, which included scoring goals against some of the top English clubs. Yet, for whatever reason, two managers have decided he couldn’t make an impact for a Southampton side that were struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League.

He has clearly had issues adapting to English football, and if that’s the case, you can’t imagine he would do well in the Championship. So, a move would suit all parties, and the chance to join a big club like Trabzonspor may appeal to the player.

It’s not ideal for Southampton that they won’t get a fee initially, but it’s still a decent deal, and they will crucially get his wages off the books, which would be a positive.

This is a move that you could see happening, and it will put an end to Orsic’s miserable time at the club.