Here are your Newcastle United transfer rumours on Sunday, December 19.
Digne tipped to make Newcastle move
Newcastle United have been linked with a move to sign Everton left-back Lucas Digne.
The Frenchman has seemingly falled out of favour at the Toffees, failing to feature in their last three matches, although Rafael Benitez claimed it was nothing more than just a tactical decision.
Ben Godfrey, who is usually a central defender, has taken his place which has sparked rumours that Digne could leave the club in the January transfer window.
According to Caught Offside, the Magpies are set to make Digne their first signing in the winter market after Everton supposedly agreed a deal with Ukraine international Vitaliy Mykolenko for around £17m.
The Magpies could have an issue at left-back after Jamal Lewis suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, while Matt Richie has struggled for regular minutes under Eddie Howe.
During his time at the Toffees, Digne has made over 100 appearances, scoring on six occasions.
Magpies make Vlahovic offer
Dusan Vlahovic has been tipped with a big-money move to the Premier League after impressing at Fiorentine.
Newcastle United are supposedly one of those clubs interested in his signature as they look to bolster their attacking options, while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also been linked.
Speaking to passioneinter.com, via Calciomercato, journalist Filippo Grassia has now claimed that the Magpies 'have made a three-figure offer' to try and sign Vlahovic.
This is at least £84m, which would comfortably break Newcastle's record transfer after Joelinton signed from Hoffenheim in summer 2019.
The 21-year-old has netted 15 goals in 17 Serie A appearances this season and has also chipped in with two assists.
Phillips praises Newcastle after Leyland appointment
Former Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips has praised Newcastle United after it was claimed that they have appointed Mark Leyland as the club's new first-team coach analyst.
As per the Independent, Leyland has joined Newcastle from Liverpool and also previously worked with Eddie Howe during his time at Burnley.
Phillips believes that it's an astute appointment, but added that the move could be purely down to Newcastle's new £305m takeover.
"Credit to them, of course – if you can poach someone from Liverpool then you must be doing something right," he told Football Insider.
"But then again, I would imagine a lot more money has been thrown at him to get him to make that jump.
"At the end of the day, let’s not beat around the bush – that’s what it’s about. Why would you leave Liverpool and go to Newcastle? It’s as simple as that.
"Credit to Newcastle for getting the deal done. It is a good first step – but he is not going to keep them in the Premier League.
"It’s about getting players through the door who can do that. This deal won’t bear any influence on the pitch to make the huge turnaround they need.
"You have to start somewhere to get this exciting project underway. They’ve got him through the door to be part of their success for the next four, five, six years."
