Newcastle identify 2025 transfer priorities as new report names NINE players on radar

The Athletic have released an in-depth piece on Newcastle's transfer plans heading into 2025, where North East correspondent Chris Waugh reveals priority positions and namechecks nine players of interest.

Although his report states that Toon scouts are tracking players in 'every position' from all over the globe, it's believed a centre-back, right-winger and goalkeeper are top of the list, with strikers also of particular interest as Callum Wilson's approaches the final six months of his contract.

Starting in goal, Burnley's James Trafford remains of interest and 'fits the profile Howe wants', with the club keen to bring in a young goalkeeper who can be a future replacement for Nick Pope and push him in the short term.

At the back, Waugh states that we're trying to reduce the age of our defence - Burn, Schar, Lascelles and Krafth are all 30 and above - and Marc Guehi remains of 'keen interest', but a renewed bid is more likely next summer unless Crystal Palace reduce their asking price in the New Year.

Other centre-backs mentioned in the piece include AC Milan's Malick Thiaw, who has been 'watched long-term', Benfica's Antonio Silva and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba after 'contact' with the Bundesliga side in August.

It's thought our midfield could be restructured slightly should we opt to cash in on Sean Longstaff for 'pure profit' in 2025, with Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney another player we've watched. However, it's thought Howe is 'loathed' to lose Longstaff as things stand.

Moving to the right-wing, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo is admired and has been heavily linked, but a January move for the Bees star has been described as 'expensive and complicated.' Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga is 'still liked' after our deadline day bid, while a number of unnamed wingers have also been watched across Europe.

Up top, it's not particularly inspiring, but Waugh confirms that we are long-term admirers of Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who may be considered a potential Callum Wilson replacement given both are out of contract next summer.