Free-spending Newcastle set to go back in for defender in summer having missed out

Newcastle United lived up to expectations during their first transfer window since a £300 million takeover last year. 

Eddie Howe’s side spent £91 million on five new faces during January, including deadline day moves for Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa and a permanent deal for ex-Brighton defender Dan Burn.

The duo followed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes through the entrance at St. James’ Park, and Howe will now be much more confident of securing the Magpies’ survival for another year.

Despite their success in the window, Newcastle did also miss out on a number of targets.

Young striker Hugo Etikete was heavily linked with the club and the 19-year-old looked set to move the Premier League, however the deal fell through late on.

Botman has reportedly given Newcastle encouragement that he will join them this summer

Sven Botman was another name linked with Newcastle, however the deal for the Lille defender also fell through.

It appears now, though, that Howe will go back in for the defender in the summer.

As per The Mirror, Newcastle are plotting a further £70 million summer spend, which will include moves for Botman and Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.

The Ligue 1 defender reportedly gave the Magpies encouragement that they should return with another offer for him, apparently confirming that he will depart the French club.

Nunez, who is valued at around £40 million, was subject to a £50 million bid from West Ham United on deadline day, but the Portuguese club rejected the bid for their talisman.

Newcastle are now keen on the striker, despite having signed Wood, and will target him in the summer.