Craig Hope rubbishes Newcastle rumour - but reveals two names to 'keep an eye on'

We're not even one week into June and already there has been plenty of Toon transfer links.

One new link has emerged from the media, although a certain North East journalist has been quick to shut it down before revealing two names that really are on Newcastle United's radar.

Starting with the nonsense, The Mail's Craig Hope has shut down links to Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman via a recent post on X.

Despite links via the German media earlier this week, Hope insists that the Frenchman is NOT 'on the list' of right-wingers being looked at by Newcastle.

Considering he turns 29 next week, will be on huge wages, is predominantly a left winger and has had his fair share of injury issues, this may come as no surprise, even if he's supremely talented.

As for two links that Hope insists are true, he's confirmed that Brighton's Joao Pedro IS very much a target, with this coming after Sky Sports reported on our interest in the Brazilian last night.

The 23-year-old is a long-term target, stretching back to his Watford days and would add a versatile option to Eddie Howe's attack. But, he wouldn't come cheap and promises over his starting role with Alexander Isak to compete with may be a stumbling block.

Another one to watch comes at the other end of the pitch, as Hope confirms that former Toon goalkeeper Fraser Forster is one to 'keep an eye on.'

Newcastle may have to sign another homegrown player this summer to ensure we meet UEFA's quota ahead of our return to Champions League football and the 6ft 7' stopper is available on a free after his release from Spurs.