Newcastle ‘ready to spend big’ on £42m-rated winger lauded by Champions League winning boss

Newcastle United’s long-term goal is to establish themselves as one of the top teams in England - and eventually to become a major force in European football.

In just five transfer windows under PIF and Eddie Howe they have already made major strides towards achieving that objective. 

Last season the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades, whilst narrowly missing out on Carabao Cup glory. This term, while less successful than the last, has seen the Magpies remain in contention for a Europa League spot despite an avalanche of injuries - and the Toon have notably beaten the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG.

This season Newcastle have outscored Kevin Keegan’s entertainers and have proven that they are able to compete with the very best. The likes of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak have thrived going forward, and Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson have both proven to be effective when available.

However, the next stage in Newcastle’s revolution appears to be bolstering the right hand side of attack. The versatile Jacob Murphy has proven a dependable player when called upon, while Miguel Almiron’s tireless workrate has at times been a huge handful for defenders.

But the Paraguyan’s days at the North East appear to be numbered and rumours of new and improved bids from Saudi Arabia continue to dominate the papers.

Spanish outlet Defensa Central (Via Sports Witness) understands that Newcastle are willing to spend big to bolster the right hand side of the pitch and one player that has reportedly caught the eye is Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler.

Guler joined Real Madrid from Fenerbache in the summer. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on the youngster earlier in the season, saying: "He made a move of great skill. He is a great talent, he has improved a lot, and he plays with more intensity now. He has a future here, no doubt about it."

However, despite the praise, he has so far played just six La Liga games, scoring two goals and he is yet to feature in the Champions League.

Guler has made six caps for his country so far, but is keen to become a key figure at international level. The teenager’s desire for first team football, could potentially prompt a move to St James’ Park and Defensa Central reports Newcastle are willing to pay a fee of around £42m for his services - a figure similar to the one paid for Antony Gordon, whose status in the game has been elevated greatly in the last 12 months.