Newcastle have reportedly submitted a club-record bid for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Eddie Howe's summer spending spree continues.
The Magpies are keen to build on the success of last season after they finished fourth in the Premier League, ensuring qualification for the Champions League.
And the club's ownership are hoping to continue their progress at St James' Park after arguably overachieving last term.
In turn, Newcastle are eager to add some European talent to their ranks in order to boost their starting XI and provide further squad depth ahead of a congested fixture list.
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The Toon Army have already signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan earlier this month, with the 23-year-old midfielder becoming the second-most expensive signing in the club's history after agreeing a £55 million move to the Premier League.
However, Howe is looking to go one better and break the club's transfer record in pursuit of Kvaratskhelia.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have submitted an opening bid of £82m for Kvaratskhelia to test the resolve of Napoli.
Howe’s side have reportedly not been informed of the outcome of their bid, although the Serie A outfit are said to be preparing for the upcoming season with the 22-year-old in mind.
If the bid is unsuccessful, Newcastle are allegedly willing to increase their offer to £85m for the Georgia international.
Kvaratskhelia shone in Italy last season, scoring 12 and assisting 10 in 34 league appearances, and playing a key role in Luciano Spalletti's title-winning campaign.
While he proved equally dangerous in the Champions League, notching two goals and providing a further four assists.
The winger's performances caught the eye of a number of top clubs around Europe and if Newcastle are able to land his signature, it would be a major sign of intent from the Tyneside outfit.
Despite the financial takeover, Newcastle have been cautious in their spending, with Howe making sure they operate within the guidelines of Financial Fair Play.
Speaking after the Magpies’ pre-season 3-2 win against Gateshead on Saturday, the Newcastle boss said: “We have a very strict budget that we’re trying to work within.
“Always with Financial Fair Play, there are certain things you can be creative on but we don’t have a huge budget to work with.
“I can share that we want to bring players into the football club but they have to be the right ones and they have to be at the right level.
“We’re working hard to do that, we’ve been working hard all summer. It’s difficult to get good players, as it is with any club, but we’ll keep going.”
Topics: Football, Newcastle United, Transfers, Eddie Howe, Premier League, Napoli
Joe Adams