Newcastle plan £33m move for right-winger this summer - Big claims from Italy

Following a frustrating January, which saw us fail once again to bring in a first-team signing, the summer must surely be the window that sees us invest.

Mark Douglas at the i recently reported that a right-winger, right-sided centre-back and striker are set to be our three top priorities and the former is of particular interest.

Jacob Murphy is doing a brilliant job, adding goals and assists to his energetic displays, but an upgrade is due, as is greater squad depth now Miguel Almiron sealed a £10m return to Atlanta United last month.

Newcastle lining up bid for Belgian?

An intriguing report has emerged from Italian outlet Tuttosport this week, covering Newcastle's pursuit of a familiar name that was heavily linked in the build up to January.

They reveal that, despite long-term interest from Juventus, it is Newcastle United who are positioning themselves to sign PSV winger Johan Bakayoko this summer.

Tuttosport reveal that Juve weren't able to meet PSV's €50m (£42m) demands, seeing them reluctantly look elsewhere and sign Fiorentina winger Nico Gonzalez instead on a loan-to-buy deal last month.

They report that, despite enquiries from Liverpool and Spurs, it is Newcastle who are showing 'greater interest' in the 21-year-old, claiming Toon chiefs 'plan to put around €40m (£33m) on the table' to bring the Belgian to St James' Park this summer.

It remains to be seen if we'll follow up our interest in Bakayoko, but this isn't the first time he's been strongly linked, with The Telegraph reporting in December that he's been discussed regularly in recruitment meetings and is high up on our list of right-wing targets.

Bakayoko back in Champions League action

After scoring a lovely goal against Liverpool in PSV's final match of the league phase last month, Bakayoko will be back in Champions League action tonight.

Ironically, he's up against the side that looked to sign him in Juventus, with PSV travelling to Turin for the first leg of the play-offs as both sides bid to reach the last 16.

He's an exciting player - quick, well balanced, skilful and able to cut in effectively on his left foot - but we'll have plenty to ponder between now and the summer, with Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Tyler Dibling and Maghnes Akliouche also on our radar.