Newcastle United transfer rumours: Jules Kounde, Dean Henderson and Alex Grimaldo latest

Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Thursday, June 16.

Mundo Deportivo claim the Magpies are prepared to activate Jules Kounde’s £70million release clause at Sevilla. As previously mentioned, centre-back remains a top priority for Toon chiefs in the transfer market, with Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez surplus to requirements.

Newcastle infamously missed out on ex-Sevilla defender Diego Carlos in January. The Brazilian has since joined Aston Villa and losing both centre-backs will force the La Liga side into a major reshuffle.

Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the 23-year-old after losing Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer.

Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Dean Henderson has been offered an escape route out of Manchester United by Nottingham Forest. Newcastle are also still believed to be monitoring the England international’s situation as he eyes an Old Trafford exit.

A loan deal with an option to buy for £20million would tempt the Red Devils, who restricted Henderson’s appearances to cup competitions last season. Reports in the Manchester Evening News claimed the 25-year-old had recently met Newcastle representatives in the North East to discuss a possible switch.

Alex Grimaldo is training by himself after snubbing a new contract at Benfica, according to Record. Newcastle are named as a potential suitor by the Portuguese outlet, despite signing Matt Targett at left-back 10 days ago.

The former Barcelona academy product has one year left on his current deal and will not be short of suitors if Benfica offload him this summer. At 26-years-old, he is the same age as Targett and has the best years of his career ahead of him.

However, signing two players at left-back appears