Newcastle are plotting a summer swoop for Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according to reports.

Sky Sports Switzerland (via Goal.com) claim that Magpies boss Eddie Howe is a big fan of the England international.

Eze is believed to have a £60m release clause in his contract and it is thought that the Carabao Cup winners are willing to pay that fee up front in order to secure the player’s signature.

There are still concerns related to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules but there is an expectation that a current player’s exit could help balance the books.

Tonali has been tipped to leave St James’ Park

Despite expressing his happiness with life in the North East, Sandro Tonali has not hidden his desire to return to Italy one day and play for a top Serie A club.

Sky claim that his departure could come as soon as this summer and the midfielder’s sale would then finance a move for his replacement.

It is said that Howe is keen to partner Eze with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes to create a formidable midfield trio.

Newcastle could have competition for Eze

Arsenal are also known to be interested in the 26-year-old, having held talks with the player’s entourage in recent months. However, it appears as if new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners’ recruitment team have other priorities at the moment.

Reports over the past week have suggested that Berta has been in discussions with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, while the club are also hoping to land Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

If Mikel Arteta’s side spend the £150m+ required to bring in those three players, there may not be enough room in the budget for Eze. That could leave the way clear for the Magpies to swoop in.

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