Newcastle could land a new £60m talent as PIF plot move for "refreshing" £42k-p/w wiz - opinion

Newcastle United have already splashed the cash during the summer transfer window in an effort to strengthen their squad.

The Toon have brought in the likes of Nick Pope and Sven Botman to give Eddie Howe more options at the back, also securing a permanent deal for Matt Targett following his recent loan spell at St James’ Park.

Looking ahead to the rest of the summer , one figure with whom the Magpies have been linked with and who would continue their roll call of signing defenders from fellow Premier League clubs is Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella.

After starting his career in Spain and playing for clubs such as Barcelona, Getafe and Eibar, the left-back made his move to England last summer.

His debut season with the Seagulls saw the Spaniard rack up more minutes in the Premier League than any other outfield player in Graham Potter’s squad.

In his 35 league appearances, the 23-year-old won more tackles (62) and made more blocks (72) and interceptions (72) than any of his team-mates, highlighting his defensive capabilities. From an attacking point of view, Cucurella – who is currently picking up £42k-per-week – delivered more crosses (94) than any other Brighton player.

This all shows just how much of an asset he could be for Howe’s side up and down the pitch.

Labelled a “refreshing” player by Newcastle defender and former Seagulls team-mate Dan Burn, Cucurella could become the Magpies’ and PIF’s own version of one of the club’s previous transfer targets in Achraf Hakimi.

Included on a list of similar players to the Brighton star by Football Transfers, Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a deal worth £60m.

With a higher combined total of tackles and interceptions (127) than any other player at the Ligue 1