By admin 
Newcastle United have a ‘genuine’ interest in the central-defender Manchester United has been tracking for the most of the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Eddie Howe has begun improving his Newcastle squad ahead of the new season, with the Magpies eager to acquire more quality before the transfer market closes on September 1st.
Newcastle United transfer information
Howe’s Newcastle team has won both of its pre-season friendlies, which has been a wonderful start to the season.
Granted National League outfit Gateshead and Scottish Premiership side Rangers are unlikely to provide the kind of test they can expect in the Premier League and Champions League next season, but it’s a positive start nonetheless.
The Newcastle faithful were also treated to a glimpse of their new big-money signing Sandro Tonali against Rangers, with the Italian midfielder notching up a 45-minute cameo at Ibrox.
It comes after Tonali put pen to paper on a £55 million move from AC Milan to Newcastle, signing a five-year contract at St. James’ Park earlier this month.
A statement of intent from the Newcastle board, as they gear up for a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
During the club’s two-decade-long hiatus from Europe’s premier stage, they had been relegated to the second tier of English football twice, but now propped up by the Saudi Arabian-backed PIF group, the Magpies are begging to soar.
So much so, some of Europe’s hottest prospects are being linked with moves to Newcastle.
What has Dean Jones said about Newcastle?
Commenting on the stories linking Axel Disasi with a switch to the North-East, transfer insider Jones admitted their interest was genuine, but also questioned how far down the line a deal actually was.
On the central defender, Jones said: “I feel like this deal has got a little bit ahead of itself at the moment.
“Newcastle deny that anything formal is happening here with Disasi.
“At the moment, I’m told that Newcastle haven’t progressed this deal as far as it’s been reported.
“But there is an interest, so that part is true.”
What’s next for Newcastle?
If Newcastle have any hopes of signing Disasi this summer, they best be prepared to get their chequebook out, as the Frenchman is expected to command a hefty fee.
A long-standing target of Man United’s, The Daily Mail reported back in March that a figure in the region of £44 million is being touted for the Monaco man.
Newcastle’s level of interest appears to vary from story to story, with Football Transfers suggesting that personal terms had already been agreed upon between the two parties.
The 25-year-old is said to be unwilling to transfer to Newcastle until he obtained guarantees about his anticipated game-time, which he has now secured.
The versatile defender made 49 appearances for Monaco across all competitions last season, showing that he might be a mainstay in Newcastle’s backline if he joins this summer.