Newcastle United have reportedly identified RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as a potential summer transfer target.
The Magpies are currently focused on ending their best season in two decades by securing qualification for the Champions League.
Newcastle require six points from their remaining three Premier League fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City and Chelsea to guarantee a top-four finish.
Nevertheless, in a worst-case scenario, Eddie Howe's side will be competing in the Europa League, subsequently resulting in the squad needing strengthening before 2023-24.
The North East outfit have already been linked with a wide array of notable names, including the likes of Leicester City playmaker James Maddison who will be available regardless of whether the Foxes are relegated to the Championship.
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If Newcastle move for the England international, they face having to shell out in excess of £50m, a fee that may be deemed value for money as they bid to take the next step in their development next season.
However, according to Sky Deutschland, Howe and Newcastle's recruitment team have taken an interest in Szoboszlai, a player of a similar profile to Maddison.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a productive campaign with RB Leipzig, contributing six goals and 10 assists from his 37 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Those numbers have come from being deployed in a number of positions, his versatility likely to be an attraction for Howe with the Englishman having shown a preference for those qualities in the past.
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The report suggests that Szoboszlai possesses a £61m release clause in his contract, one which does not expire until the end of 2025-26.
While Leipzig are expected to fight hard to retain the services of the Hungary international, they would more than double the €20m that they paid for Szoboszlai if they give the green light to a sale.
Earlier this month, the creator hinted that he was considering his future at Leipzig, telling Tag24: "I'm definitely still with RB Leipzig for three games.
"I would like to play in the Champions League and would like to win my second trophy with RB Leipzig. We will see what happens after the summer."
With two matches left, Leipzig sit in third position in the Bundesliga table and require one win from their remaining double-header to confirm qualification for the Champions League.
Darren Plant
