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Newcastle United are expected to splash the cash this summer but they are still looking at potential free agents, with Lyon star Jason Denayer now firmly on their radar.

Eddie Howe’s men look certain to avoid the drop after a superb run of form since the turn of the year and can start to switch their attentions to potential summer targets.

PIF are expected to give Howe a hefty transfer budget, although The Chronicle states that Denayer could arrive for nothing.

Het Nieuwsblad claims the Magpies have already ‘gathered information’ on the player. His potential arrival could see Denayer link up with his old Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes at St James’ Park.

The 26-year-old is no stranger to the North East. He spent a season on loan at Sunderland in 2016-17, making 24 appearances.

Denayer, who is known for his pace, is being viewed as the ideal partner for towering January signing Dan Burn.

Despite failing to make the breakthrough at Manchester City, the Belgium star excelled during a loan spell at Celtic before joining Lyon in a €6.5million deal in 2018.

Since then he has established himself as one of the best defenders in French football.

Landing Denayer on a free would also allow Newcastle to focus their spending on other areas of the team.

Newcastle given Rabiot lift

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been given all the encouragement they need to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus this summer after two updates paved the way for the France international’s exit.

Aided by their raft of January signings, the Magpies have thrust themselves nine points clear of the drop zone at present. January arrivals Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood both notched their first goals for the club last week.

Kieran Trippier made a big impact at both ends of the pitch before suffering a broken bone in his foot. Matt Targett and Dan Burn, meanwhile, have slotted in seamlessly to Eddie Howe’s defence.

The January spending spree has thus worked to perfection for the club, though Newcastle are expected to go even bigger in the summer once their Premier League status is safely secured.

One player who could yet make his way to Tyneside is France international Adrien Rabiot.

The 26-year-old currently plies his trade with Juventus, though is struggling to make an impact under Max Allegri.

Rabiot not earning his keep at Juventus

Rabiot was signed at a time when Juve were splashing the cash freely and is thus one of the club’s top earners on approximately £115,000-per-week.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, that puts Rabiot on equal financial terms with red-hot marksman Dusan Vlahovic. The article claims only Paolo Dybala and Matthijs De Ligt earn more per week.

But with Juventus plotting a more sustainable course with regards to player salaries, the decision has now been made to sever ties with Rabiot in the summer. That comes despite the midfielder having another year remaining on his contract after this season.

Newcastle have been perennially linked with Rabiot since their Saudi takeover. Chelsea were also mentioned, but their off-field turmoil makes a move to Stamford Bridge a non-starter.

Rabiot previously suggested he was happy to remain in Turin when speaking to French outlet Telefoot in November. However, that decision looks like it will be made for him by Juventus.

Prior reports from Corriere dello Sport have claimed that a fee of between £8.5million and £12.8million would prise Rabiot away. While those sums would not constitute a statement signing in the traditional sense, signing a 24-times capped France international would.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also added fuel to the fire with his update on Juventus’ midfield plans.

The journalist tweeted Juve ‘will sign a new central midfielder’ in the summer. While he did not name Rabiot specifically, his exit would help pave the way for the new addition.

Whether Newcastle firm up their prior interest in Rabiot, only time will tell. But if they do, a deal now looks ripe for the picking.

READ MORE: Newcastle holding out hope for big summer signing despite AC Milan deal edging closer

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