Newcastle United have reportedly made progress in their efforts to secure a deal for a Chelsea attacker.
Having missed out on European football for 2024-25, the Magpies are looking to form a squad capable of challenging for Champions League qualification.
As it stands, Eddie Howe has been forced to oversee somewhat of a lop-sided summer transfer window, business being conducted to adhere to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
While the club's goalkeeping ranks have been strengthened and defender Lloyd Kelly has arrived from Bournemouth, two potentially important creative options have left St James' Park.
Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh have joined Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion for a combined total of £68m, leaving Howe in the market for replacements.
Speculation also persists over the future of Miguel Almiron, who underperformed in terms of numbers last season.
© Reuters
Newcastle pushing for Madueke
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are closing in on a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
The report claims that the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the North East giants and has emerged as a likely acquisition.
Newcastle allegedly held an interest in Leeds United's Crysencio Summerville before it became apparent that a deal would not be easy to complete.
Although a potential fee is not mentioned, Chelsea will not consider a sale unless they are able to make a profit on the £28.5m that they spent on the England Under-21 international in January 2023.
© Reuters
Will Chelsea put up any resistance?
The aforementioned point appears to be crucial to the deal. While Chelsea are under less pressure with regards to the financial regulations, they seemingly have an opportunity to bolster their position behind the scenes.
Madueke was not always first choice under Mauricio Pochettino, yet he developed into a key player towards the back end of the season and started the majority of matches from April onwards.
A total of five goals and two assists came from his 1,057 minutes of Premier League football during 2023-24, while he started Chelsea's first pre-season friendly under Enzo Maresca against Wrexham on Wednesday night.
As it stands, he seemingly has a place in the Italian's plans going forward, yet co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have shown in several transfer situations that they are prepared to express their authority.
There are still five-and-a-half years remaining on Madueke's contract at Stamford Bridge.
Darren Plant
