Transfer announcement will alert Newcastle United with summer exits now on cards

Newcastle United are hoping to take advantage of their rivals in weak financial positions this summer

Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl has admitted the German club will look to reduce their wage bill this summer, with top talent available in the upcoming transfer window. That will be music to the ears of English suitors who have cast their eye over Signal Iduna Park talent in recent months, including Newcastle United.

The Magpies have been linked with flashy winger Jamie Gittens and elite-level goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in recent weeks. The latter, Dortmund's current No1 stopper, has already enjoyed a taste of Champions League action at St James' Park back in 2023.

"We want to reduce wages,” Kehl told reporters this week. “That said, it’s possible we’ll continue with some of these players. But some may no longer be part of the BVB squad next season.”

Newcastle search for a new goalkeeper ended in disappointment last summer as James Trafford remained at Burnley despite significant interest from the north east. This time around, Kobel could prove a cheaper alternative with Trafford's price tag expected to sky rocket after his history-making campaign at Turf Moor.

The Daily Mail last week reported Toon scouts had kept a close eye on Kobel , while Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with moves in recent months. Quizzed over his future earlier this year, the Swiss stopper said: "If I had to comment on every rumour, I would be talking all the time.

"We are in an important phase. I want to focus 100% on my club, anything else would not be appropriate."

Newcastle will also likely be keeping a close eye on matters at AC Milan after the Italian outfit suffered a disappointing Serie A season, subsequently missing out on any form of European football next term. The Magpies have previously been linked with San Siro defenders Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw, while Christian Pulisic was once a target during his time at Chelsea.

Newcastle are expected to prioritise a right-winger, a right-sided centre-back and a goalkeeper in the upcoming window, with Eddie Howe publicly admitting his club will attempt to take advantage of rivals in weaker positions. “The PSR deadline plays a huge role for clubs – both those clubs with PSR issues and those without – because those without may potentially look to try to sign players," Howe said earlier this month.

“They will look to take advantage of other clubs, as clubs did to us last year, quite rightly. It’s a really interesting dynamic and one that we’re really aware of and that we’ll try to use to our advantage if we can.

"I can’t go into the details of that, but no doubt we’ve got people at the club who are working very hard behind the scenes on it.”