Newcastle United gossip as Nunez alternative targeted and Magpies beaten in defender race

Here are the latest Newcastle United transfer rumours on Wednesday, April 20.

Newcastle United are set to switch their attentions towards Brentford striker Ivan Toney in their search for a new forward this summer. That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who claim that the Magpies have been forced to look elsewhere as Benfica’s Darwin Nunez does not want to join a club with no European football.

Toney has enjoyed a strong first full season of Premier League football with Brentford, scoring 12 goals in 28 appearances. The 26-year-old was previously at St. James’ Park between 2015 and 2018 but was sold to Peterborough United and after proving himself at the highest level, could return to Newcastle this summer.

Newcastle United are set to be beaten in the race for another central defender as Borussia Dortmund have reportedly agreed a deal with Freiburg for Nico Schlotterbeck. That is according to 90min.com, who claim that the Bundesliga outfit have agreed a deal for the 22-year-old, who was a target for the Magpies in January.

Schlotterbeck earned his first caps for Germany earlier this year thanks to his impressive season at Freiburg and Newcastle had continued to keep tabs on his situation. However, it now appears Dortmund have won the race for his signature, partnering him alongside Niklas Sule, who has also agreed to join Marco Rose’s side ahead of the summer.

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is hoping to remain at the club for several more years but has admitted there will come a time where he is no longer needed. Shelvey has been one of the most impressive players under Eddie Howe but could face a battle to keep his place ahead of next season as the Magpies plot another busy transfer window.

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