Sources: Newcastle ‘priority’ revealed as PL clubs race to sign goalscoring defender

Maxi Araujo is on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs but Newcastle United will to sell a defender before agreeing a deal.

The Uruguay international is firmly in the shop window ahead of the World Cup following a strong season at Sporting CP.

He has registered six goals and four assists in 43 appearances from left-back, but could leave the club after their failure to defend the Liga Portugal title.

Newcastle are interested in Araujo but are not prioritising a left-back signing, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, they are set to face competition from several Premier League sides if they want to sign him soon.

PIF have recently reiterated their desire to keep improving on and off the pitch at St James’ Park, in a huge boost to Newcastle’s transfer plans for this summer.

Premier League interest in Araujo intensifies as Newcastle make priorities clear

Sources exclusively told Football Insider last month that Chelsea were scouting Araujo as Sporting took on Arsenal in the Champions League.

He impressed over both legs against the Gunners, but a move to Tyneside is not in the plans as it stands, with Eddie Howe targeting right-back, central midfield and striker signings.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s a player that’s had a good season for Sporting and obviously done well for Uruguay as well.

“Araujo is a top player, there’s been a number of Premier League clubs have looked at him, but as things stand right now I don’t think it’s a top priority for Newcastle.”

Nicolas Jackson offered to Newcastle as striker signing eyed

Newcastle’s ambitious plans have been scuppered by a poor summer window that saw both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrive for big money and subsequently fail to make an impact.

Eddie Howe has reverted to handing Will Osula more game time to solve their goalscoring issues this season, with a new centre-forward on their radar this summer.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea striker Jackson’s agent has contacted Newcastle ahead of the upcoming window, with a move potentially in the pipeline.

The Senegal striker is nearing the end of a loan spell at Bayern Munich after scoring 10 goals in 30 appearances, but looks set to return to West London and seek another move away this summer.

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