Newcastle add former Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha to transfer shortlist as move for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ramps up – plus fitness update on Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley
Newcastle have identified Joao Palhinha as an option in their search for an experienced midfielder to fill the void left by Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Talks continue over a move for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a deal in the region of £13million could accelerate over the next 48 hours.
Daily Mail Sport understands the 31-year-old has indicated he is keen on the switch and new head coach Matthias Jaissle sees the Dane as the potential organiser at the base of his young midfield.
However, there is still work to do on that transfer and alternatives have been identified, including Palhinha. Aston Villa are also interested in the Bayern Munich midfielder, 31, and he looks set to return to the Premier League this summer after spending last season on loan at Tottenham.
Newcastle like the Portugal international and he fits the profile of older head they want to complement new arrivals such as Sean Steur, 18, and Aladji Bamba, 20.
Sporting director Ross Wilson is prioritising a midfield addition and a new full-back, with signings beyond that dependent on Jaissle’s assessment of what his squad then needs.
Joao Palhinha is another experienced midfielder Newcastle are considering to fill the void left by the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali
Tino Livramento is not expected to be fit for Newcastle’s season opener as he recovers from the injury he picked up on England duty at the World Cup
Midfielder Joe Willock will join Besiktas if they meet Newcastle’s asking price, and sources believe there will likely be progress on that front. Goalkeeper Nick Pope has also been told he can leave and, while no offer has yet arrived, both Ipswich and Celtic are said to be monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, Newcastle expect midfielder Lewis Miley to be fit for the season opener against Liverpool after recovering from a broken leg, but the game will come too soon for Tino Livramento.
The England defender is currently in the United States as he continues his rehabilitation from the calf injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. He could return on the second weekend of the campaign at Tottenham.