The stunning £60m Newcastle United transfer target who could become club's next superstar

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A big money transfer target could bring a number of benefits in Newcastle United's search for success.

Newcastle United are facing yet another hectic summer in the transfer market as they look to move on from what has been a challenging season at St. James’ Park.

Rewind the clock 12 months and optimism and belief enveloped Tyneside as Eddie Howe’s side prepared to return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades. Armed with new signings such as Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes, Southampton full-back Tino Livramento and, most significantly, AC Milan star Sandro Tonali, the Magpies were looking to build on what had been a season of unforeseen progress for the men from Tyneside.

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What has played out has been nine months of soaring the highest highs and plummeting to the lowest lows as stunning wins over Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal sit awkwardly alongside dispiriting defeats inflicted by Luton Town, Bournemouth and Everton. A seemingly never-ending battle with injuries has hardly helped Howe’s cause, nor did the lengthy ban handed to summer signing Tonali for falling foul of gambling regulations in Italy - but the Magpies boss does at least deserve credit to keeping his side in contention for a place in Europe.

So what lies ahead and where does Howe need to improve his squad ahead of the new season? Adding at least one centre-back is on the agenda and progress has been made in moves for Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabiayo, who are both out of contract this summer. A versatile forward is also on the agenda and it seems likely United will try and add a winger to their ranks as the future of Miguel Almiron continues to be the subject of speculation. A decision will be made on Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, who will return to Tyneside this summer after an impressive season-long loan deal at Dutch giants Feyenoord. It seems likely the youngster will get a chance to impress during pre-season but will head out on loan once again next season.

There is little surprise the Magpies recruitment staff have been assessing several options to upgrade in a key area and there are reports suggesting Wolves star Pedro Neto is one possible addition - although a Telegraph report has suggested the Molineux club will only allow the Portugal international to depart if they receive a club record fee of around £60m. That may not put off Newcastle - although they would have to raise at least part of the fee by allowing a number of players to depart.

Their interest should not be a shock given the impact Neto has made since he joined Wolves in a £13.5m move from Lazio during the summer of 2019. The winger has scored 14 goals and provided 24 assists in 135 appearances in all competitions - and although a hamstring injury limited his impact to just 24 appearances last season, Neto did manage 14 goal contributions (three goals and 11 assists) during the course of the campaign. Nine of those assists came in the Premier League and of the current Magpies squad, only Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon can better that tally with ten.

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Given the remarkable performances of Gordon, it will be no surprise to discover the former Everton star sits comfortably above Neto and his current Magpies team-mates with 21 goal contributions over the season. However, the Wolves winger does better the tallies put together by the likes of Harvey Barnes (eight), Jacob Murphy (ten) and Almiron (four). A key part of Howe’s philosophy at Newcastle is forward thinking and positivity and Neto seems to fit both aspects of the game with a higher average balls progressions, successful take-ons and shot creating actions per 90 minutes than any of his prospective team-mates. Another key aspect of Neto’s game that will impress Howe will be his versatility as the former Lazio man make an impact anywhere across the front three, just as Gordon has been used in several games throughout the season.

Newcastle are eyeing up an ambitious move for Pedro Neto, according to reports.Newcastle are eyeing up an ambitious move for Pedro Neto, according to reports.
Newcastle are eyeing up an ambitious move for Pedro Neto, according to reports. | Getty Images

Once again, Newcastle will have to take into consideration their battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations and UEFA’s financial fair play rules should they qualify for European competition. But the attraction of a possible move for Neto is all too obvious and the fact he sits within the age profile preferred by Newcastle when it comes to big money moves only enhances the belief the reported interest may well have some substance to it.

Just as they found with Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, who were both under 25 when they moves to St. James’ Park, there is room for growth and improvement with the club - and as Newcastle seek to become regular challengers for honours and European places, it would be no surprise to see Neto become their latest big money addition over the summer months.

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