Transfer Talk: Struggling Toon set sights on Umtiti and Aubameyang

Newcastle are set to splash the cash next month as they battle to avoid relegation. 

Eddie Howe's Premier League strugglers were boosted by a 1-1 draw against Manchester United last night but remain firmly rooted in the bottom three. 

And the Toon have reportedly set their sights on Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti and Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Sun claim Barca want to ditch World Cup winner Umtiti, 28, due to his £220,000-a-week wages.

And Newcastle are ready to swoop for the out-of-favour French defender, with a bid in the region of £17million expected to persuade the cash-strapped Catalans to sell. 

While defensive reinforcements are desperately needed at St James' Park, Aubameyang also appears to be on the club's shopping list. 

According to multiple sources, Arsenal are set to offload the Gabon striker after boss Mikel Arteta ditched him from the first-team squad after his latest disciplinary indiscretion. 

In other news

According to The Sun, Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Leeds star Raphinha. 

But the German champions are likely to have a fight on their hands as the Elland Road outfit reportedly have no intention of parting company with the Brazilian. 

Raphinha, 25, is under contract until 2024. 

Lazio have identified Callum Hudson-Odoi as one of their top targets next month, with boss Maurizio Sarri keen to be reunited with the winger he managed at Chelsea. 

Football Italia claim Sarri believes the England man would be the perfect fit for his system in Rome. 

West Ham are exploring a £40m swoop for Patrik Schick, claim the Mirror. 

The 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen frontman caught the eye with five goals for the Czech Republic at Euro 2020. 

And he has carried his fine form into this season, netting 16 goals in just 14 Bundesliga appearances.