Newcastle United are currently putting together their plans for the summer transfer window – and the Magpies have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one reported target.

Eddie Howe’s plans for next season may well be up in the air as his side push for an immediate return to European competition – but there are still a whole host of potential targets being monitored ahead of the summer. The Magpies hierarchy are likely to prioritise key additions in a number of problem positions with Howe’s squad and at the top of that list is believed to be a striker after the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both suffered fitness issues throughout a challenging season at St James Park

Sweden international Isak has played a lead role across all competitions despite suffering with an ongoing groin injury that has at times hampered his attempts to build on what was a positive first season at St James Park. Wilson has also sustained a number of injuries throughout the season and is battling to return to full fitness before the end of the campaign after picking up a pectoral injury in last month’s win at Nottingham Forest.

Even if Eddie Howe’s team is pushing for an early return to European play, his plans for the upcoming season are still unclear, but a number of possible targets are still being watched before the summer arrives. With Howe’s roster, the Magpies leadership will probably give priority to important additions in a number of trouble spots. The top player on that list is probably a striker, as players like Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak both struggled with fitness during a difficult season at St James Park.