Newcastle join Aston Villa in race to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones
Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this summer, with the Magpies facing stiff competition from Aston Villa and Inter Milan.
Eddie Howe is planning a major rebuild at St James’ Park following a disappointing campaign that sees his team currently sitting 13th in the Premier League.
The Tyneside club recently snapped a five-game losing streak with a victory over Brighton, but significant squad changes are still expected ahead of next season.
The Anfield academy graduate is entering the final 12 months of his contract on Merseyside, making a permanent exit a genuine possibility.
Inter Milan and Villa track playmaker
Aston Villa have already made initial contact over a summer deal for the versatile midfielder.
Meanwhile, newly crowned Italian champions Inter Milan attempted to secure his signature during the January window and are expected to return with a fresh approach.
The Liverpool-born player is reportedly open to the prospect of moving to Serie A to embrace a new challenge abroad.
Clear pathway at St James’ Park
Despite the lure of European football elsewhere, Newcastle are prepared to push hard for a domestic transfer.
Howe has identified the 23-year-old as an ideal replacement for Sandro Tonali, who continues to be heavily linked with a departure.
A move to the North East could offer a clearer route to regular first-team football than his other suitors can currently guarantee.
Inter boast a dominant midfield unit, while Villa possess established options such as Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana.
Although no formal bid has been submitted, the Magpies view the Liverpool star as a priority target to anchor their midfield next season.