Newcastle United

Newcastle name three-man shortlist in winger pursuit

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Newcastle United have identified Leicester City’s Demarai Gray on a three-man shortlist to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, according to the Chronicle.

The newspaper claim that the Premier League newcomers are on the hunt for a second new winger this summer, and have shortlisted the 20-year-old as a potential candidate.

The Magpies have already secured the permanent signing of Chelsea attacker Christian Atsu, following a successful loan spell at the club last season, but manager Rafa Benitez is not yet satisfied with his options.

Gray moved to the Foxes ahead of their Premier League title-winning campaign in 2015-16, but has found regular first-team opportunities limited despite their new management.

He made 41 appearances in all competitions for Leicester last season, but was handed just 14 starts as he was not considered worthy of a starting role by either Claudio Ranieri or current chief Craig Shakespeare.

However, a potential move for Gray would see Newcastle shell out on a club record fee, with the Chronicle claiming that he would cost a club record fee in excess of £20million.

But the report states that Newcastle are also considering Leicester team-mate Tom Lawrence, and Norwich City’s Jacob Murphy, who were both in fine form in the Championship last term.

Murphy, 22, contributed nine goals and eight assists from 40 appearances in all competitions last season, and Newcastle are hoping to reach an agreement over an £8million deal.

However, their attempts could prove unsuccessful, as Norwich are looking for at least £12million before agreeing to the sale of one of their most prized young assets.

Meanwhile, Lawrence would also command an eight-figure transfer fee, despite having yet to establish himself as an important player within the first-team setup at the King Power Stadium.

The six-time Wales international has made only four senior appearances for Leicester, and spent last season on loan at Championship outfit Ipswich, where he scored 11 goals and supplied 11 assists.

Newcastle have sent scout Steve Nickson to Poland to monitor the Euro Under-21 Championship, where Gray and Murphy are both in action.

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