Newcastle United gossip: Toon battle Arsenal for giant defender, Leeds United eye in-form Magpies star

With top-flight football secured for next term, Steve Bruce can begin to look ahead to what he hopes is a busy summer.

Here are of the latest players linked with a move in – and out – of St James’s Park:

Newcastle ‘express’ interest in ex-Manchester City defender

Newcastle United have expressed an interest in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

That’s according to The Athletic, who claims the Magpies and Arsenal are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation.

Adarabioyo, who stands at 6ft 5in, is open to leaving Craven Cottage following their relegation to the Championship.

He only joined Scott Parker’s side last summer after 18 years at Manchester City for an initial £1.5million. Indeed, the Citizens hold a 20% sell-on clause.

The former England under-19s international is understood to have a buyout clause but the exact amount is currently unknown.

Toon invite Udoka Chima for trial – reports

Newcastle have reportedly invited former Burnley youngster Udoka Chima to train at their academy with a view to offering him a contract.

However, the Magpies could be stopped in their tracks by Benfica, who are considering an offer of their own after the defender impressed on trial. Braga are also in the mix.

As reported by allnigeriasoccer.com, the 19-year-old has been without a club since being released by the Clarets last term.

Chima grew up in North London and went on trial at the likes of Norwich City, Coventry City and Luton Town before being snapped up by Sean Dyche’s Burnley.

Trio ‘keeping close eye’ on Jacob Murphy

Leeds United, Southampton and Burnley are keeping a close eye on Jacob Murphy's future at Newcastle, as per The Sun.

The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, just as he has turned his St James’s Park career around.

Murphy initially struggled to make any kind of impact following his £12m from Norwich City in 2017 but this season, he has excelled in a right-wing-back role.

United, Murphy’s boyhood club, are keen to offer him a longer-term deal but the more they wait, the more interest builds.

It is claimed Muprhy is valued at around the £6m mark.