Getting one over on their rivals and putting their Champions League place to good use, Newcastle United could now reportedly beat Aston Villa to one Ligue 1 defender this summer.
UCL qualification key for Newcastle this summer
From easing their PSR concerns to helping to keep hold of key players and attracting just as important upgrades, to say that Champions League qualification will prove to be vital for Newcastle this summer would be an understatement. The Magpies didn’t do it the easy way, but their place among Europe’s elite was secured on the final day of the Premier League season nonetheless.
Liverpool (C)
84
45
Arsenal
74
35
Man City
71
28
Chelsea
69
21
Newcastle
66
21
Aston Villa
66
7
Nottingham Forest
65
12
Edging past Aston Villa on goal difference despite losing to Everton on the final day, the feeling around St James’ Park at full-time last weekend would have been major relief combined with the job of what awaits next season.
Eddie Howe had his say on the impact that Champions League qualification is likely to make on Newcastle’s summer transfer window, telling reporters: “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be.
“We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end if you continue not to change because change is an important part of the squad dynamic.
“I think we feel that and I think we potentially felt that last summer as well, so I think that’s why the players have done so well to carry the success through. Yes, it is going to be a big transfer window.”
When Newcastle’s recruitment will get underway with that said remains to be seen, but reports have already been coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.
Newcastle could hijack Aston Villa's Murillo move
According to El Marcador’s José Miguel Domínguez, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle could now hijack Aston Villa’s attempts to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille with an offer of their own, using their Champions League qualification as a major advantage, a competition Murillo wants to play in next season.
The Villans have already reportedly seen offers rejected for the right-back, which could allow the Magpies to come swooping in and match Marseille’s reported €25m (£21m) valuation.
The journalist said that the defender is keen to remain at Marseille due to Champions League football being on offer, but that is something that Newcastle can also provide and are expected to make a bid.
“The player’s desire, as of today, is to continue at Marseille because he plays in the Champions League. However, a siren call and a formal offer from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who were very close to playing in the Champions League and will be playing in the Europa League. Another team, Newcastle, is expected to submit a formal offer for him in the coming days. Be careful, because they do play in the Champions League.”
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It is a valuation that Marseille are in a strong position to demand too, after Murillo put pen to paper on a new which could keep him at the club until 2028 back in March. It was then that manager Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for his defender, telling reporters whilst also acknowledging Murillo’s injury: “Yes, first of all, I am very happy about the extension of his contract, because he has earned it.
“You have to recognise the work of people who do good things. At the moment, he is having a very good season, and we are all really happy for him. But yes, it is a problem, because Murillo has unique characteristics.”