Newcastle are interested in signing Chelsea forward Timo Werner and Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler as they look for reinforcements

Newcastle are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler and Chelsea forward Timo Werner, according to reports.

The latter has seen increased speculation about his future following an interview on the Blues’ pre-season tour.

Getty

“First of all, the most important thing is that I am happy. I am happy when I play and score goals,” Werner stated in America.

“That’s the fact. That’s what I should take care of and the other things will come. I could be happy everywhere.

“I think of course the manager always has different ideas, different thoughts and what you need in different games, I think in many games I was not in his thoughts so I try to change that.

“It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to first be in good shape for the World Cup and also, to have a chance to play at the World Cup.

“I think it doesn’t change anything whether it is a winter world cup or in the summer. I think if I play half or the season or the whole season, I should play.”

But his manager, Tuchel, said he was ‘surprised’ to hear of Werner’s comments.

Getty

He believes the German international should be delighted because he is playing for Chelsea on huge wages.

“I’m surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea football club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet,” the Blues boss said.

“He needs to get his game time. He has to show quality, take your place and defend your place.

“I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea. If he said this, I do not understand.”

And now Bild understands that Newcastle are in the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, compatriot Draxler could join him at St James’ Park.

He was signed by the French giants from Wolfsburg for £35.5m in 2017 but has struggled for game time over the last few seasons.

And, according to Le 10 Sport, the Magpies are in talks with the player’s representatives over a potential transfer this summer.

PSG are listening to proposals for the 28-year-old and want him to leave during this summer transfer window.

They are reportedly looking for between £17m and £25m (€20m and €30m) for the German, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle would be willing to pay that for the player, who has two years left on his contract.

getty

The Magpies are said to be looking for midfield reinforcements, after targeting Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta earlier in the transfer window.

Howe’s side are said to have bid more than £34m (€40m) for the Brazillian but a deal could not be completed.

The club’s new sporting director, Luis Campos, is keen to sell Draxler, Mauro Icardi, Layvin Kurzawa, Ander Herrera, and Leandro Paredes this summer.

And discussions are now underway between Draxler and Newcastle, which could see him make the move to the Premier League.

Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth have made three signings so far this summer, as Nick Pope, Matt Targett, and Sven Botman all joined the club.

Source