Newcastle United have had a busy start to the summer, with Anthony Gordon's £70million sale to Barcelona and the Magpies on the verge of their first summer signing. But could another star leave Tyneside to make room for major incomings?
Will Newcastle United make a move for Jarrod Bowen?
Jarrod Bowen to Newcastle would make a lot of sense. Despite West Ham United's Premier League relegation on the final day, the 29-year-old racked up nine goals and 11 assists in 38 games. That's the third consecutive league campaign that the forward has had 20 or more goal contributions.
The player's £100,000-a-week wages and a potential transfer fee around the £55million mark are not astronomical but with the arrival of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims and links with Osasuna youngster Víctor Munoz and other young wingers, it looks like the Magpies are targeting youth in the summer transfer window.
However, Lee Ryder believes signing the Hammers' captain - along with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford - would provide 'balance' to Newcastle's spending.
"A lot of fans out there would love to see Jarrod Bowen come to the club because he's Premier League ready. His wage structure fits in with what Newcastle are doing," Ryder said on the podcast. "Do they want to pay the big fee? For me, if you can get four years from Jarrod Bowen and he helps you get from where Newcastle are now to there, then I think that would be a good deal.
"Trafford would fit into that category as well. He's pretty much a senior player now - an established England international. Those are two players that I think could give Newcastle the right balance. Sign those two, sign other youngsters."
Sandro Tonali available for sale?
Any big spending, however, may have to be financed by further sales despite Gordon's early exit for a bumper fee. After an underwhelming 12th-placed finish for the Magpies this season, speculation has increased over the future of star midfielder Sandro Tonali.
The 26-year-old Italy international has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal and - following comments made by United chiefs regarding sales this summer - his future on Tyneside is uncertain.
"Newcastle are going to try and get £100m if they do decide to sell him, if they get the right bid. It feels to me that he could be leaving the club this summer," said Ryder. "When the CEO is coming out and saying, 'we'll listen to bids for players, but they have to go on our terms,' then that makes it a lot more transparent, if you like. They're not trying to hide that they're selling players. And £100m is a lot of money for any player. So, it would certainly give Newcastle more options in the window - but you would lose a class act in Sandro Tonali."
