NEWCASTLE are interested in signing Everton star Amadou Onana, according to reports.
The Toffees midfielder, 22, has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United this month.
Newcastle - who have reportedly agreed a shock deal to let Miguel Almiron leave for the Saudi Pro League- are now set to enter the race after seeing Joelinton ruled out for the rest of the season with a tendon injury.
Onana has emerged as a key player for Sean Dyche at Goodison Park.
But the Toffees' financial woes could see them cash in on the Senegalese ace.
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Everton received a ten-point deduction earlier this season, and were recently slapped with a second charge.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle want to test Everton's resolve by making a swoop for Onana.
The former Lille ace is reportedly valued at around £50million by the Toffees.
Newcastle aren't against paying that much for Onana, but are reluctant to do so before the summer.
They could try to convince Everton to accept a loan deal until the end of the season, before paying up in June.
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With Joelinton's contract having 18 months left to run, Newcastle are facing uncertainty in the midfield area.
The Brazilian has so far been unwilling to extend his £70,000-a-week deal, as he reportedly wants to pocket more than the £150k a week top earners at the club.
In addition to Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes could also be on the move, having attracted interest from PSG.
The former Lyon star's contract has a £100m release clause.
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On Onana's future, Dyche recently said: "He’s been heavily linked before I was here and after, it’s just another story.
"He’s an Everton player, so any decision that we make on players, it will be us that decide."
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour recently urged his former side to move for Onana.
He told SunSport: "Well, I certainly believe the midfield area definitely if Thomas Partey does leave because he's an important player when he plays.
"He's a dynamic player in that midfield, he's very good at sitting back and getting back into the back-four and probably Declan Rice can push forward a little bit more.
"Onana’s been mentioned from Everton who's having a good season, I like him, he is quite a good player in that midfield area."
Should Newcastle fail in their move for Onana, they could turn to Bournemouth ace Phillip Billing.
Prising the Dane away from Bournemouth could prove to be tricky mid-season, however.
Newcastle have been one of a number of sides to be linked with a swoop for Kalvin Phillips this month.
However, Manchester City's reported demand for a £7million loan fee has seen them cool on the England international.
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