One of Newcastle United’s summer transfer targets already has Alan Shearer’s seal of approval.
The Magpies’ current priority appears to be addressing their defence, as they line up two deals that must be done sooner rather than later.
Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo are set to become free agents, and Newcastle United are trying to bring both of them to St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side are the favourites to bring in the former, while a deal for the latter is suddenly close after a fresh round of talks with Toon officials.
It looks like Newcastle United are getting at least one of the centre-backs they need, which could allow the recruitment team to shift their focus elsewhere.
Newcastle United eye deal for Nottingham Forest star
And one player who is on their radar is Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
The 24-year-old emerged as a target for the Magpies during the January transfer window, with the former Wolves player identified as a possible replacement for Miguel Almiron.
However, the Paraguayan did not leave, and a move for Gibbs-White did not come to fruition.
But links with the midfielder have not gone away, with Newcastle set to show an interest in a player who Nottingham Forest might be forced to sell due to PSR.
What Alan Shearer has said about Morgan Gibbs-White
And if Newcastle were to make a move for Gibbs-White, you have to imagine it would delight Toon legend Alan Shearer.
That is because Shearer has been speaking very highly of Forest’s number 10 on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Gibbs-White is really exciting,” he said.
“I know he was a big investment but he is a really talented player.”
Gibbs-White could be a great signing for Newcastle this summer
Shearer is right – Gibbs-White did cost Nottingham Forest a lot of money. They agreed a deal worth £42.5million in total with Wolves, with Forest paying an initial £25million in 2022.
It looked like a crazy amount at the time, but Gibbs-White has proven to be worth it. He is an all-rounder for Forest, combining leadership skills and ball-winning ability with a decisiveness in the final third. That is why he could be so valuable to Newcastle, with Gibbs-White boasting five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League this season.
That is an impressive tally in a struggling Forest side, and you have to imagine he could do even better in black and white.
His versatility makes him massively appealing too, and the fact he ticks so many boxes should hopefully result in Newcastle United making a move for him this summer.
It sounds like that is something that Shearer would like to see happen!
The post 'Exciting': Alan Shearer says player Newcastle reportedly want to sign this summer is 'really talented' appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.