A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on Youri Tielemans and Isco as the summer transfer window rolls on...
What's the talk?
Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has claimed that neither of those players are active targets for the Magpies at this moment in time, from what he has been told.
He Tweeted: "On NUFC, have seen this weekend's stuff linking them with Youri Tielemans and Isco, but they're not two names I've heard seriously discussed. The two key remaining priorities this summer are striker and wide-attacker. Plus moving players on."
This comes after journalist Ben Jacobs recently stated that the club have made contact over a potential deal for the Leicester maestro, Tweeting:
"There is a growing feeling Newcastle could enter the Tielemans race, too. Dan Ashworth has already made enquiries. Challenge for NUFC would be convincing Tielemans how he fits into a midfield with Joelinton, Bruno and Shelvey. One to watch."
Eddie Howe will be gutted
The Toon head coach will be gutted by Wilson's claim as it suggests that the club are not pursuing deals for Tielemans or Isco ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Both of them have the potential to be excellent signings for the Magpies as they have both proven themselves in a major European league.
Tielemans has, as Newcastle fans will know, showcased his quality in the Premier League in recent seasons for the Foxes.
In the top-flight last season, the Belgian international managed six goals and four assists in 32 games. He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.08 and made an impact at both ends of the pitch as he managed 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game.
These statistics show that he is a quality box-to-box midfielder who would improve the Newcastle squad, as no Toon player - aside from Bruno Guimaraes - in his position averaged a higher SofaScore rating.
Isco, meanwhile, is a player who has proven himself at the pinnacle of club football. He has won an astounding five Champions League medals, along with three La Liga titles, and produced 109 direct goal contributions in 352 games for Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old Spain international would, therefore, provide goals and assists from midfield, whilst also bringing in a wealth of experience and a winning mentality at the top level.
Howe will be gutted that neither player is being seriously looked at by the club and will be hoping that suitable alternatives arrive before the end of the window.