Reports: Newcastle and PIF are “in talks” to sign “world-class” £30m ace who Eddie Howe loves

The Magpies have wasted no time flexing their financial muscles this transfer window, signaling their intentions with the early acquisition of Spanish prodigy Antonio Cordero before turning attention to two more priority targets that could transform Eddie Howe’s squad.

While the winger’s arrival on a free transfer from Malaga represents smart business, Newcastle’s ambitious recruitment team are already deep in negotiations to address two critical positions that have needed reinforcement for over a year.

Cordero’s signing, officially announced by outgoing sporting director Paul Mitchell in one of his final acts at St James’ Park, provides Newcastle with one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents.

The 19-year-old wide man arrives with glowing references after tearing through youth ranks in Spain, though Mitchell confirmed the teenager will likely spend next season on loan to continue his development.

“Antonio is an exciting talent we’ve tracked extensively,” Mitchell stated. “The challenge now is finding the right environment where he can convert that potential into consistent performances at senior level.”

Newcastle’s recruitment team are demonstrating impressive resolve by revisiting two transfers that slipped through their grasp last summer.

Sky Sports reports advanced negotiations with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford, with the Clarets now demanding a reasonable £30 million for the England international – significantly less than their previous valuation.

Howe has maintained a long-standing admiration for the 22-year-old shot-stopper, viewing him as both competition and eventual successor to the injury-plagued Nick Pope.

The dynamics of this deal have shifted considerably since last summer’s failed approach. Where Burnley previously dug their heels in, their relegation to the Championship and Trafford’s own desire to test himself at the highest level have created perfect conditions for Newcastle to finally secure their man.

Interestingly, personal terms were already agreed with the goalkeeper twelve months ago, potentially allowing the Magpies to bypass one of the more protracted stages of negotiations.

Double Trouble on the Flanks

While Trafford would solve Newcastle’s goalkeeping concerns, Howe’s attacking reinforcements are taking shape with equal purpose. The collapse of their Bryan Mbeumo pursuit – with the Brentford forward destined for Manchester United – has prompted a strategic pivot towards two alternative targets with Premier League pedigree.

Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga remains firmly on their radar after last summer’s £35 million bid fell foul of Profit and Sustainability Rules, with fresh enquiries already made about the Swedish international’s availability.

More intriguingly, Newcastle have rekindled interest in Brighton’s Joao Pedro, whose explosive development under Roberto De Zerbi has made him one of the most coveted attackers outside the traditional ‘Big Six’.

The Brazilian’s versatility to operate across the frontline makes him particularly appealing to Howe, who values tactical flexibility in his attacking players. While Pedro would command a fee substantially higher than Elanga, his ceiling as a potential world-class talent justifies the premium.

This summer’s business marks a noticeable evolution in Newcastle’s recruitment strategy. Where previous windows saw them scattergun approaches to multiple targets, their current focus demonstrates sharper identification of players who fit specific tactical profiles.

The decision to pursue Trafford – a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet – aligns perfectly with Howe’s desire to build from the back more effectively. Similarly, their winger targets all share key attributes: blistering pace, direct running, and the ability to create chances in transition.

The impending departure of Mitchell adds an intriguing subplot to these negotiations. While the sporting director has laid much of the groundwork for these deals, their completion may fall to his successor – with Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson reportedly in contention for the role.

This transition period could explain Newcastle’s urgency to advance talks now rather than risk disruption later in the window.

For Howe, securing these targets early would provide precious preseason time to integrate new signings into his system. With Champions League football returning to Tyneside, the margin for error in recruitment has never been slimmer.

The captures of Cordero, Trafford and potentially Elanga or Pedro would represent statement business – proving Newcastle can learn from past transfer frustrations while still competing for elite talent.

As the window heats up, all evidence suggests the Magpies intend to be protagonists rather than spectators in this summer’s market drama.