Next top star Eddie Howe wants at Newcastle revealed as Magpies enter mix for Tottenham target

Newcastle United have entered the fray to sign an Inter Milan star and could get to him before Tottenham or Manchester United, according to reports.

Inter are at risk of losing some big names next summer as they have let their contracts run down into the final year. Centre-back Stefan de Vrij is coming towards the end of his deal and could move to either Aston Villa or Leicester.

As per recent reports from Italy, the two Prem sides have made approaches to sign him.

He could be followed to England by fellow centre-back Milan Skriniar. His terms at the San Siro are also set to expire and this has led to transfer links with several English teams, plus clubs from abroad.

Wide man Robin Gosens is in the same situation. Reports in November suggested West Ham and Leicester may battle over his services.

CalcioMercatoWeb have provided an update on the goings on at Inter, regarding one man in particular – Skriniar. They state Inter are working on his new contract but have yet to send it to his agent.

As such, interest is now coming from Newcastle. Skriniar is apparently Eddie Howe’s ‘first goal’ for the summer transfer window.

Newcastle have huge finances thanks to their Saudi Arabian takeover and could therefore submit a ‘very big contract proposal’. The report doesn’t reveal how much Skriniar would earn when moving to St James’ Park, but he would definitely pick up a pay rise.

Man Utd, Spurs face Newcastle threat for defender signing

The Slovakian is thought to be on the radars of Man Utd and Tottenham. Both of those sides want to improve their respective defences and view Skriniar as a great option, due to his experience and availability. But Newcastle might just sneak in and get to him first.

One thing Skriniar will demand for his next club is that they play in the Champions League. Previously, this would have been well out of Newcastle’s reach. But thanks to some top signings, the Magpies occupy third spot in the Premier League after 15 matches.

And if Howe’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League, then Skriniar joining will become a real possibility.

It looks like the 27-year-old is more likely to move at the end of the season, rather than in January. As such, he probably won’t be Newcastle’s next signing as they are looking into January deals for Adrien Rabiot and Goncalo Ramos.

But once the January window shuts, Newcastle look set to go all out for Skriniar.

Newcastle already have one of Europe’s best young centre-backs in the form of Sven Botman. Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles are all available to Howe, too.

Schar has turned his Newcastle career around since the takeover and is forming a solid partnership with Botman. But there must be concern among Newcastle chiefs that Schar is not good quite enough to deal with UCL attackers, hence the Skriniar pursuit.

Skriniar would be an excellent central defender for Botman to play alongside. He would be able to help the Dutchman develop into an even better player.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are vying with Man Utd and Arsenal to sign a Chelsea man, as per reports.