Eddie Howe 'identifies Kieran Tierney, James Maddison as top Newcastle targets'

The Saudi-backed club are expected to spend big again with the prospect of European football a realistic possibility given their current league position in fifth.

However, Newcastle have faltered slightly since the new year, scoring just five league goals in 2023, with a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday being their first in the Premier League in two months.

Football Insider claim that Howe has asked the club's sporting director Dan Ashworth to ensure deals for Tierney and Maddison are done, as they would both slot into the side's starting XI.

Maddison could add some creativity and an eye for goal from midfield, as the England midfielder has contributed to 14 goals in 19 Premier League games this season.

The Magpies reportedly had bids in excess of £40m rejected by Leicester City for Maddison in January, but with his contract running down, the Foxes may sell up in the summer to avoid losing him on a free the year after.

Left-back is thought to be another position Howe wants to improve, and Tierney is a realistic target given his lack of game time at Arsenal.

Dan Burn has played left-back this season for Newcastle, but is naturally a centre-back, and the Magpies are understood to be in the market for a more attack-minded full-back, with Burn yet to register a goal or assist in the league this season.

Tierney has been mainly restricted to starts in the Europa League and the domestic cups, sitting behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order for league matters, and he may look to leave the club if he wants regular playing time.