Newcastle Continue Summer Plans Amid Coronavirus Crisis With 2 Forwards Set for Exit

Despite the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic across the continent, Newcastle bosses are confident of a smooth summer transfer window.

The travel restrictions necessitated by the virus have led Newcastle’s recruitment team working remotely as they look at ways to improve Steve Bruce’s squad for the next campaign. 

Nonetheless, those in charge at St James’ Park are satisfied with the progress made towards key signings, according to The Chronicle.

With Bruce in need of a central midfielder, winger and striker, Steve Nickson’s scouting staff are said to have done the necessary groundwork, while ​The Northern Echo have revealed that Newcastle will also be pursuing a permanent deal for Tottenham loanee Danny Rose, with the London club happy to let go of a player who has settled well in the North East.

There are also expected to be several departures from Tyneside this summer, with Javier Manquillo’s contract set to expire in July, and the Echo add that forwards Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll will be permitted to leave this summer.

Carroll has not scored in any of his 12 appearances for the Magpies since signing from West Ham United on a one-year contract, while Gayle, who is also without a single goal this season, only has a year left on his current deal.

The potential free agent that Newcastle will most want to hold onto this summer will undoubtedly be midfielder Matty Longstaff, who has been linked with clubs as varied as Inter, Arsenal West Ham and Everton.

Despite the widespread interest in the 20-year-old, Newcastle will be attempting to revitalise contract talks with the youngster after they hit a hitch a few weeks ago.

Reported interest in Sean Longstaff, the elder of the two brothers, is unlikely to come to fruition over the summer, with the player contracted until 2022.