Newcastle are pushing to sign Brighton’s long-term target with ‘concrete talks’ ongoing

Newcastle United could overtake Brighton for the club’s long-term signing Fabian Hurzeler, with the Magpies keen on his signature.

Newcastle are making a dash for summer signings

The recruitment team at Newcastle are not waiting.

With one Premier League game to go and the season not officially over, Eddie Howe’s backroom staff have reportedly been making calls, and early returns suggest the Magpies are keen to make this summer a meaningful activity at St James’ Park.

The most advanced part of the incoming business is still pursuing Lamine Camara.

TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that there is growing belief in football circles that the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder will join Newcastle, with scouts making repeated trips to France throughout the season to watch the Senegal international.

The £39m defensive midfielder fits the profile Howe is looking for – young, controlling, versatile – and the club is understood to be among the most interested in a hotly contested race that includes Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Newcastle’s talks are rumored to take place with the signing of Camara, as he is supported by Fabrizio Romano, and it is also believed that Ewen Jaouen who was heard from Reims has reached an agreement to join Howe’s team (Sacha Tavolieri).

Now, another target has appeared, and it’s in the middle of the post again.

Newcastle are pushing for Brighton’s goal and Werder Bremen star Mio Backhaus

According to Sky Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are one of the clubs in ‘serious discussions’ regarding a deal for Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.

The 22-year-old German-Japanese international has been one of the Bundesliga’s emerging talents this season, making 32 league appearances as Bremen’s number one.

Standing at 6 foot 4, he combines an imposing frame with excellent distribution and a composure under pressure that compares to some of the team’s more established goalkeepers.

Plettenberg reports that Bremen would like to keep Backhaus but admit they need to make money this summer, and are demanding up to £17m for the player who is under contract until 2028.

Negotiations continue with many clubs, but no agreement has been reached. Freiburg are also in the domestic mix, adding Bundesliga competition to an already crowded picture.

TEAMtalk previously reported that Brighton have long courted Backhaus, tracking him as part of their established strategy to identify and recruit young, dynamic talent from across Europe.

The Seagulls have been monitoring the goalkeeper for some time, and their interest is described as serious. Inter Milan and AC Milan have also made enquiries, underscoring the breadth of Backhaus’ attention.

It is reported that going to the Premier League makes this player happy.

Further fueling speculation about an imminent move, Werder Bremen are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Arsenal loanee Karl Hein on a permanent basis, a move that will ensure the club prepares for life without their first choice.

For Newcastle, the goalkeeper position has become a major problem.

Aaron Ramsdale’s loan from Southampton is due to expire this summer, while Nick Pope – while still the club’s number one – turned 34 in April.

Bringing in a young, quality keeper to provide competition and long-term succession planning makes clear strategic sense, and Backhaus’ profile fits that brief perfectly.

Whether Newcastle can compete with Brighton, Freiburg and the Italian clubs will depend on the financial package they are willing to put together – and how quickly they move.

Along with Backhaus and Jaouen, Newcastle have also been linked with Man City striker James Trafford.