Newcastle seriously considering "elite" new target who's a set-piece wizard

Newcastle United hold a "strong interest" in signing an exciting set-piece expert this summer, according to a new report from reliable journalist John Percy.

Two new signings agreed at Newcastle

It has been a tumultuous summer at St James' Park, with the Magpies failing to bring in numerous transfer targets, being pipped by other Premier League clubs to the likes of James Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo, among others.

Still, there have been more positive signs in the past few days, with AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw agreeing a move to Newcastle, strengthening Eddie Howe's defensive options, which has been a priority throughout the summer transfer window. He underwent a medical on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have also completed the signing of teenager Isaac Moran, who was formerly at Liverpool, with the 16-year-old midfielder coming in as a bright part of the club's future.

It is important that further business is also completed between now and deadline day, not least signing a couple of strikers if Alexander Isak ends up sealing a move to Liverpool. Now, a positive update has emerged in that respect.

Newcastle have "strong interest" in set-piece wizard

According to Percy on X, Newcastle club chiefs have a "strong interest" in Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

El Khannouss is a big talent who could impress greatly for the Magpies, not least with his set-piece quality that he outlined over the weekend during the opening round of Championship matches.

The 21-year-old registered both assists in Leicester's 2-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, both from set-pieces, and he is arguably too good a footballer to be playing in the second tier of English football.

El Khannouss has been hailed as an "elite" player by Ben Mattinson as recently as last year, and while an attacking midfielder by trade, he can also take up a deeper role if needed, and can shine on the left wing.

At 21, there is still so much more to come from the Moroccan, too, and he could add some extra midfield guile that is arguably needed for Newcastle, giving Howe a different option to the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock in the current squad.

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