Transfer Talk: Magpies target ambitious moves for England trio

Newcastle are targeting England internationals Declan Rice, James Maddison and Ivan Toney as part of an ambitious summer spending spree.

The Telegraph indicate that the Magpies are set to be bold in their transfer strategy in order to build on their rapid growth in the last 18 months.

Eddie Howe’s side remain on course to qualify for the Champions League this season and they feel the additions of a handful of quality first-team players could help them challenge regularly in the competition.

Landing Rice could prove difficult however, with talkSPORT reporting that the Three Lions regular would prefer a switch to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old West Ham captain appears likely to move on to pastures new at the end of the campaign regardless of whether the Irons avoid relegation.

Maddison, 26, is a long-term target of the Toon and with Leicester in real danger of dropping down to the Championship, he could be a realistic recruit.

Prolific Brentford striker Ivan Toney has gone from strength to strength since leaving St James’ Park in 2018 and may well be tempted back in order to boost his international prospects.

Other potential targets listed as part of an eye-catching off-season include Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, Kaoru Mitoma and Kieran Tierney.

In other news

Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, 20, has told Liverpool he is open to moving to Anfield this summer, according to the Mirror.

The Daily Mail understand Aston Villa, Fulham, West Ham and Brighton are keen on Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson despite the Gunners offering the 23-year-old a new deal.

Chelsea are set to sign 15-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez for £17.6million when he turns 18 in 2025, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.