EXCLUSIVE: Middlesbrough ready to raid Newcastle for star, also keeping tabs on another

Middlesbrough are looking at neighbours Newcastle United for at least one summer transfer raid, TEAMtalk understands.

Newcastle are ready to move a number of players on, as their squad is already overloaded and there are expected to be more additions this summer. Indeed, they had to leave three players out of their Premier League 25 after bringing in four January signings.

One of those not included was Northern Ireland left-back Jamal Lewis and we understand that Chris Wilder and Boro’s recruitment staff have a keen interest in the former Norwich man.

Lewis has over three years left on his current deal at St James’ Park. With that being the case, a loan exit is likely and that suits Boro perfectly.

We also understand that Middlesbrough are monitoring the situation with Sean Longstaff. However, a move for the midfielder will very much depend on whether Boro secure promotion or not.

Longstaff is out-of-contract in the summer, but is yet to agree a new deal. Indeed, the 24-year-old is believed to be considering his options, as he has not been first-choice under Eddie Howe.

His former boss Steve Bruce at West Bromwich Albion – is known to be keen to secure his signature.

The likelihood of Longstaff remaining at Newcastle does appear bleak, given that a busy summer of incomings is expected.

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Howe looks set to be backed again in the summer market, having made a quartet of signings in January.

Kieran Tripper, Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes all arrived in the new year. The quartet made an immediate impact to move the club away from relegation trouble.

However, Trippier has since been ruled out for the season, while Wood still only has one goal for a Toon side that have lost their last three games.

Those results still leave Howe’s men seven points above the drop zone, although 18th-placed Burnley have a game in hand.

They are back in action on Friday evening when they host Wolves in a must-not-lose clash.

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