Toon dealt Darwin Nunez blow and long-term target arrives for medical at Everton - Reports

Newcastle United will NOT be bringing James Tarkowski to St James' Park this summer, with the defender arriving on Merseyside this morning to undergo his medical at Everton.

It remains to be seen just how much interest we'd shown in the centre-back, however a number of local journalists said he was a player Howe was considering, especially on a free transfer.

Nonetheless, The Athletic have revealed that he'll join Everton following his release from recently relegated Burnley, while we appear to be pursuing Sven Botman instead - and have identified Nathan Ake as another 'priority target', according to The Telegraph.

Elsewhere, chief writers at both The Mail and The Times have released some pretty damning news regarding our pursuit of Darwin Nunez, confirming that Liverpool have joined the race for the Benfica goal machine.

Dominic King (The Mail) claims the Reds are prepared to 'smash their transfer record' to sign the highly-rated Uruguayan, stating that Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are also keen.

So, we may have appointed Ashworth and appear to be closing in on deals for Targett and Ekitike, however it looks increasingly likely that Nunez will be beyond our reach this summer.