Report: Newcastle are now looking to sign £30m-rated Premier League defender this summer

Newcastle United are continuing their search for defensive reinforcements and have sent scouts to watch over in-demand Premier League defender who could cost over £30million.

Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are both out of action until the new year after undergoing ACL surgery within the space of a couple of weeks.

That leaves Newcastle desperately short on bodies at the back, especially with the added injuries to Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento that Eddie Howe has had to contend with recently.

Given the long-term nature of Botman and Lascelles' injuries, it's highly likely that Newcastle's plans for the summer transfer window have changed with more emphasis now likely to be on finding defenders.

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Newcastle are readying to join the fight for Max Kilman

HITC are now reporting that Newcastle and Aston Villa have been keeping tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman with a view to a summer bid.

Wolves aren't likely to let him go on the cheap with the report claiming that they'd want at least £30million for the 26-year-old.

Kilman is also being monitored by Manchester United, and Wolves are bracing themselves for a bidding war this summer, although they hope to retain his services.

Newcastle's interest in Kilman isn't new

Newcastle also had Kilman in their sights last summer but didn't make their move after Kilman signed a new deal at Molineux, but it seems that Eddie Howe's interest hasn't wavered.

Kilman has been ever-present for Wolves his season and has popped up with two goals in his 30 appearances.

Newcastle can only dream of having another player other than Fabian Schar who can last an entire season.