Newcastle handed Nico Gonzalez hope and face Christopher Nkunku fight

Newcastle United desperately need an experienced holding midfielder and No.10 able to play just behind the striker in Matthias Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 system.

Nico Gonzalez has emerged as a key target for the former role, with Enzo Maresca opening the door to his potential sale on Friday.

Further up the pitch, Christopher Nkunku appears to be on our radar, with the Frenchman available after a frustrating season with Italian giants AC Milan.

Updates arrived on the pair last night, offering hope and an element of caution for Newcastle fans.

Nico boost for Newcastle

According to The Mail's Craig Hope, Nico Gonzalez is OPEN to joining Newcastle United after being told he can leave Man City this summer.

The North East reporter reports that talks are continuing between the two clubs over a deal, although the situation is not straightforward.

Hope claims that certain Man City teammates are trying to convince the 24-year-old to remain at the Etihad, despite his lack of league starts last term and the club's readiness to sell.

Newcastle in contact over Nkunku 

Moving from Manchester to Milan, an update also arrived on Christopher Nkunku last night.

In a post on X, Fabrizio Romano reveals that both Newcastle and RB Leipzig have been in 'direct contact' with AC Milan over a deal for the 28-year-old.

Talks are continuing, and the Frenchman is fully expected to depart over the final 10 days of the window, but comments from Romano's latest Youtube video suggest Nkunku may favour a return to former club Leipzig.

"Newcastle are calling, but the player is giving priority to RB Leipzig. 

"Let's see, who is going to convince AC Milan, as they are going to ask important money for a paid loan."

Nkunku managed eight goals in all competitions for AC Milan last term. These numbers are well below his prolific Leipzig days, although he has struggled for regular starts since arriving at the San Siro.