Newcastle United reportedly have no intention of breaking their wage structure during the summer transfer window, even if they qualify for the Champions League.
The Magpies have been backed in the transfer market since their Saudi-backed owners arrived at the club in October 2021, spending close to £250m on 14 players.
Alexander Isak was brought to St James' Park for a club record £63m last summer, while big-money fees have also been forked out to recruit the likes of Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, the latter of whom arrived in January.
A recent report claims that Newcastle are targeting four 'elite' signings next summer, with Eddie Howe's side still in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League.
The Magpies currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who have played a game more.
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The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle have made an enquiry for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who is believed to be facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
The report adds that the Magpies have been quoted £80m for the 24-year-old, who would likely request for a weekly wage of around £250,000.
A summer swoop for West Ham United captain Declan Rice has also been mooted, although the £100m-rated midfielder would allegedly prefer a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Although Newcastle hold an interest in the England duo among a number of other targets, it is claimed that the North East outfit are not prepared to shatter their wage structure and would rather protect their current salary model to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
Star midfielder Guimaraes, who has excelled for the Magpies since his £40m transfer from Lyon in January 2022, is said to be one of the club's highest earners on around £120,000 per week before bonuses.
Newcastle are understood to be in the market for two new midfielders, a right-sided centre-back, left-back and right winger this summer, while a young backup goalkeeper and striker are also on their radar.
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Howe recently acknowledged that the Magpies will attempt to recruit "quality players" ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, but has insisted that only the right players who fit the club's philosophy will be targeted.
Asked about Newcastle's reported interest in Rice and whether they would be willing to spend big on one star signing this summer, Howe told reporters last week: "That is a difficult question to answer. We are trying to build the best squad we can. I think a lot will probably depend on what competitions we are playing in next year as to what we can and can't do.
"I think we will always try to gauge it in every situation. Our strategy last summer was to try and find quality players for the positions that we needed not to bring in a host of players who don't necessarily improve our starting XI or squad.
"I don't think our strategy will change. We want elite players because we have an elite squad. If we do add anyone in they have to be better than the players we have."
The likes of Leicester City's James Maddison, Manchester United's Scott McTominay, Nice's Khephren Thuram and Bournemouth's Philip Billing have also been linked with a potential move to St James' Park.
Oliver Thomas
