Eddie Howe eyes ex-Premier League star as first signing as Newcastle boss

After more than a week of speculation linking a host of big names with the vacant managerial position at St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe was officially announced as the new manager of Newcastle United on Tuesday. 

The former Bournemouth boss will take over the reigns of a club who find themselves second from bottom in the Premier League, five points adrift of safety after 11 games.

Since the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s take over of the Magpies, there has been mass speculation around which players could be lured to the club when the transfer window reopens in January.

Despite their recent investment, Newcastle may struggle to attract players in January and may have to wait until next summer to approach their key targets.

Despite this, it appears that Howe is already lining up potential targets, with one ex-Premier League star top of his list.

As per Goal via Metro, Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey will be allowed to leave the Italian side in January, and Newcastle are currently frontrunners for the Welshman’s signature.

Ramsey remains a regular for Wales despite his struggles at club level

The former Arsenal man joined the Series A giants in 2019 after the expiry of his deal with the Gunners, signing a contract worth £400,000-per-week, but has endured a number of injury problems during his time in Turin.

The Wales international has played just 70 matches for Juventus in the two years since he joined the club, and they are apparently now prepared to sell him in January.

The Italian side are reportedly keen to get the player, and his astronomical wages, off of their books and will look to sell when the window reopens in the new year.

While Newcastle could now afford his wage demands, the player would likely have to take a wage decrease having played such little football in recent seasons.

The midfielder has played just five games all season.

Ramsey spent a decade in North London with the Gunners, winning three FA Cups during that time.