Newcastle United are favourites to seal a ‘must-have’ signing ahead of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, according to reports.
The Magpies’ summer transfer plans have suffered an early setback after missing out on Spain sensation Victor Munoz.
Liverpool moved decisively to hijack the move, with Munoz electing to continue his career at Anfield instead.
The outcome has forced Newcastle to look elsewhere as Eddie Howe and the club’s recruitment team continue shaping their squad for the new campaign.
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Goalkeeper James Trafford remains one of the names strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park, despite Newcastle completing the signing of Ewen Jaouen earlier in the window.
The Man City goalkeeper has been on Newcastle’s radar for an extended period and reports have suggested interest remains active.
Better than Munoz: Newcastle in talks to sign £50m Premier League winger
Newcastle have set their sights on one of the Premier League’s most high-profile wingers.
Alongside their search for reinforcements in attack and goal, Newcastle are also assessing defensive options.
One familiar name to emerge again is Lloyd Kelly.
The defender has been linked with a return to Tyneside, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with interest.
Newcastle favourites to agree Lloyd Kelly signing from Juventus
However, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Newcastle are currently in the strongest position after speaking to his contacts within the game.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness outlined why he expects Howe’s side to win the race for Kelly.
“I see Kelly going to Newcastle as being the most likely. Eddie Howe had him at Bournemouth for a period of time, and there is a relationship there,” he said.
“He’s also a better fit for the Newcastle squad.
“I think he’ll get more minutes, and he’s a nice-to-have for Villa rather than a must-have, whereas for Newcastle he’s a must-have.
“I think the Howe connection will end up being the key thing. He’s at the right sort of price for Newcastle as well.
“I did make a couple of calls about Kelly, and I think Newcastle is where the deal is at the moment.”
Kelly’s connection with Howe is a significant part of the discussion surrounding his future.
The Newcastle manager worked closely with the defender during their time together at Bournemouth and at Newcastle, so he knows his game very well.
That existing relationship has repeatedly been highlighted in reports linking Kelly with a move back to St James’ Park.
The financial side of the deal could also work in Newcastle’s favour, with recent reports suggesting Juventus would seriously consider offers in the region of £30 million this summer.
Kelly left the Magpies for Juventus in 2025 on an initial loan before the move was made permanent last summer for £15m plus add-ons.
The 27-year-old played just 14 games under Howe at St. James’, but he could seemingly make a surprise return.
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The Lilywhites are chasing a mega-money deal for the Italian.
