Newcastle ‘line up transfers for two Premier League centre-backs without paying a penny’
NEWCASTLE are plotting free transfers for two Premier League centre-backs, according to reports.
Eddie Howe is already planning to add reinforcements to his squad after an injury-ravaged campaign for Toon.
Newcastle could still qualify for the Europa League this season despite their draw with Brighton on Saturday.
And the Magpies are planning for next season already by eyeing a deal for Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Kelly is a player Howe knows well with the Newcastle boss signing the 25-year-old while in charge of Bournemouth.
Newcastle are also understood to be interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, who is also in the final few weeks of his contract.
Both players look unlikely to sign new deals with their respective clubs, though Fulham would reportedly be willing to make Adarabioyo their highest-paid player.
Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester United are all said to be eyeing the Fulham star too.
Kelly has also opted to leave the Cherries and is wanted by AC Milan, while Spurs had a £20million bid rejected for him last summer.
Newcastle were already planning to sign one centre-back in the summer, but are going to be without Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for up to nine months after both suffered anterior cruciate knee injuries.
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As they plot their summer business, Newcastle are also keen on Freiburg star Merlin Rohl.
But SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Everton are currently leading the race for the 21-year-old midfielder.