After Isak drama, Newcastle now raging about new rumour coming out of Man City

The summer transfer window has become an exercise in exasperation for Newcastle United, with Manchester City poised to deliver yet another stinging setback.

Just weeks after hijacking the Magpies’ long-standing pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford, Pep Guardiola’s side now threaten to compound Newcastle’s misery by launching a move for PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma – a transfer that would have significant ripple effects on Tyneside.

Newcastle’s £27 million bid for Trafford represented more than just squad reinforcement – it was a carefully calculated play to secure their first-choice goalkeeper for the coming years.

Yet City’s activation of their buyback clause left Eddie Howe scrambling for alternatives, ultimately settling for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale on loan.

The Arsenal cast-off represents a clear downgrade, having failed to recapture the form that once made him England’s number one.

Donnarumma’s potential arrival at the Etihad would rub salt in Newcastle’s wounds. The Italian shot-stopper enjoyed a career-best season in Paris, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dominant goalkeepers.

His acquisition would likely relegate Trafford to bench duty, rendering City’s move for the youngster increasingly perplexing from Newcastle’s perspective.

The Magpies could rightly question why they were denied a player who may become surplus to requirements at his new club.

This latest twist comes amid a summer of near-misses and frustrations at St James’ Park. The protracted Alexander Isak saga continues to overshadow their preparations, while targets like Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Hugo Ekitike have all slipped through their fingers.

Each failed pursuit tells the same story – of a club with ambition but lacking the pulling power to compete with established elite sides.

There is one consolation for beleaguered Newcastle fans. The club appear to have fended off interest in Tino Livramento, with the promising fullback set to sign a contract extension.

In a window where they’ve been outmaneuvered at every turn, retaining one of their brightest young talents offers at least some cause for optimism.

As the season approaches, Newcastle’s recruitment team faces mounting pressure to deliver reinforcements.

The Donnarumma development serves as another reminder of their secondary status in the Premier League’s food chain – a reality that must change if they’re to bridge the gap to the division’s powerbrokers.

For now, the Magpies can only watch as their rivals strengthen while their own ambitions remain unfulfilled.