Centre-backs on Newcastle radar

NEWCASTLE United are hoping to strike early with their transfer business this summer.

- By ROSS GREGORY

The Magpies are looking to add at least four players to Eddie Howe's squad before the start of the new campaign.

United's hopes of adding genuine quality to their ranks have been boosted by having European football next season. While they still chase Champions League qualification, Newcastle know they have the back-up of Conference League football in their pocket due to winning the Carabao Cup.

With the summer window opening earlier this year, with an extra trading period between June 1 and June 10 due to the Club World Cup, Newcastle are hoping to make an early breakthrough in the market.

Head coach Eddie Howe has always stated his willingness to get deals done early in order to bed stars into his squad in good time for pre-season.

The Journal revealed on Monday that United are keeping tabs on a handful of centre-back options as they look to provide more competition for Fabian Schar amid Jamaal Lascelles's ongoing injury situation.

Here we take a look at some of the players on the radar of sporting director Paul Mitchell and recruitment chief Steve Nickson.