Your latest Newcastle United transfer digest.
Magpies given the 'new Luka Modric' instructions
Newcastle United have been told that they must activate the release clause of Croatian midfielder Lovro Majer if they want to sign the Rennes man this summer.
Majer starred for the Ligue 1 outfit last season, registering nine assists in 36 matches, while also hitting six goals in that time frame. Such an ability has seen him develop a reputation as one of the division's most productive midfield players and earn the tag of the 'next Luka Modric.'
This season, however, has not been as successful for Majer. It is though interest from Atletico Madrid may have had a potentially detrimental effect on his performances.
READ MORE: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's 'can't answer truly' response should worry rivals
Nevertheless, a report from Footmercato in France has linked Newcastle to Majer, but it has apparently been made clear to the Magpies that they will have to trigger the £31 million release clause in his contract if a deal is to be completed.
This is because Majer's former club, Dinamo Zagreb, inserted a hefty sell-on clause into the deal which saw him join Rennes in 2021.
Long-serving star set to quit St. James' Park
Football Insider claim that long-serving Newcastle United man Matt Ritchie will quit St. James' Park this summer after falling down the pecking order on Tyneside.
Signed from Bournemouth during the summer of 2016, Ritchie played a vital part in helping the Magpies complete a return to the Premier League and re-establish themselves in the top flight under Rafa Benitez.
While he also featured regularly under Steve Bruce, Ritchie has been called upon infrequently by current boss Eddie Howe, who also managed the former Scottish international with the Cherries.
Ritchie has been handed just 10 appearances, including only two starts, across all competitions in 2022/23 and a potential departure would free up wages for Newcastle to, potentially, utilize in the summer transfer window.
Torino stance on Perr Schuurs emerges
Torino are reportedly unwilling to let Newcastle-linked Perr Schuurs leave the club this summer according to Calciomercato.
Schuurs has enjoyed a superb debut season in Turin, starting 25 of his 26 Serie A outings, after joining Torino from Ajax last August in a deal thought to be worth €9.5 million plus add-ons.
With Schuurs' contract running until 2026, however, it is claimed that club president Urbano Cairo has issued a clear message to other club executives at the Olimpico di Torino that he does not intend to let the Dutchman leave after one season.
Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested in bringing Schuurs to the Premier League this summer.
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