Transfer Talk: Magpies set sights on Dembele and Calvert-Lewin

Newcastle have Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on their list of targets.

The Magpies are looking to spend big following their takeover by a Saudi-led consortium, while they are also in the market for a new manager following Steve Bruce’s departure yesterday.

A report in Goal claims France international Dembele is open to a move to Tyneside when his Barca contract expires next summer.

The winger, 24, joined the Catalan outfit for £135million in 2017 but has struggled with injuries and form.

Talks over a new contract with the cash-strapped side have stalled and he is reportedly looking elsewhere.

Dembele’s representatives have been touting his services to clubs around Europe, with Newcastle identified as an ideal destination. 

Meanwhile, the Magpies could bolster their forward line further by signing Calvert-Lewin.

The England international, 24, is highly rated by Newcastle’s current recruitment team, according to the Telegraph, and is expected to remain a player of interest even if new technical staff are brought in.

The report indicates Calvert-Lewin would provide support to current No9 Callum Wilson, who is Toon's top scorer this season.

But Newcastle could face competition for his signature with Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all long-term admirers, while there is major interest from an unnamed Bundesliga club.

Tielemans puts clubs on red alert

Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has reportedly turned down the offer of a contract extension — putting a host of Europe’s top clubs on red alert.

The Foxes have been working hard to tie the Belgian midfielder down amid reported interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.

But 90min are reporting that while the 24-year-old star is not demanding an immediate move, he is showing no indication he will extend his current deal beyond 2023. 

That would mean Leicester may be forced to sell him next summer to avoid losing him for free.

Tielemans is said to be happy in the East Midlands and is grateful for the club helping him kickstart his career but sees himself playing Champions League football in the future.

Boss Brendan Rodgers said: "There will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract but I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player. That’s my only focus.

"He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see."

In other news

Manchester City and local rivals United are set to challenge Barcelona in the race for RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, says German journalist Cristian Falk.

Spanish publication El Nacional claim Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Los Blancos to exercise their buy-back clause to bring Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon back to the club.

Meanwhile, the Mail say the North Londoners have joined a growing list of clubs chasing £20m-rated Genk striker Paul Onauchu, who is set to face another interested party in West Ham this evening.