EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle eyeing Mateus Fernandes - but move may rely on summer sale

Newcastle United are no strangers to signing relegated talent, if good enough, and it would appear that another is on our radar heading into the summer transfer window.

Moves for Nick Pope (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Southampton), Harvey Barnes (Leicester) and Will Osula (Sheffield United) under Eddie Howe's watch, showing our readiness to pounce should the right player become available.

This year's bottom three have struggled to compete, but Southampton could be a club to keep an eye on as Newcastle show interest in a second Saints star following links to talented winger Tyler Dibling.

Newcastle impressed by Fernandes

NUFCBlog can exclusively reveal that Newcastle are admirers of Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The 20-year-old has gone under the radar in an otherwise dismal season for the Saints, displaying an impressive mixture of technical ability, energy, ball-carrying and versatility since arriving from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

A summer exit looks highly likely for the Portuguese Under-21 international, although Southampton are expected to demand considerably more than the £15m paid last August, providing no relegation release clauses exist in his current deal running until 2029.

Across Europe's top five leagues this season, only three Under-21 players have won back possession more than Fernandes, who has also shown his quality in a poor side with three goals and five assists, along with the ability to play in a number of midfield roles.

All of those qualities appeal to this all-action Eddie Howe side, while Paul Mitchell's ability to strike a deal with former club Southampton could also help our cause, should we up our interest over the coming weeks and months.

The question is, how would Fernandes fit within Newcastle's budget and a summer transfer window where a right-winger, centre-back, goalkeeper and striker are the current top priorities?

Midfielder sale may be needed

Newcastle's PSR position is much improved, allowing the club to take advantage of others in perilous financial positions before the 30th June deadline - not worry about  early sales as we did 12 months ago.

However, with big-money moves likely in our bid to sign a quality right-winger, young right-footed centre-back, ball-playing goalkeeper and striker to compete with Alexander Isak, funds for an additional midfielder may be lacking.

That's where Sean Longstaff may come in. He may decide to run down his contract as he enters the final 12 months, but moving on the 27-year-old while we can still secure a fee is preferable, while Joe Willock's sale remains one to watch if a good offer came in.

As things stand, Newcastle have an outstanding mix of starting midfielders in Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton - but strength in depth is an issue.

Eddie Howe admitted after Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea that our squad has been tested following recent injuries to Joelinton, Joe Willock and Kieran Trippier, yet the demands on our relatively thin squad will only heighten next season.

Willock's lack of robustness is a growing concern and this is viewed as our final chance to land a fee in excess of £10m for Longstaff. Sell either and they must be replaced, leaving the talented and versatile Fernandes as one to keep an eye on as we consider midfield upgrades ahead of the 2025/26 season.