Newcastle United gossip: Toon lead race for £30m-rated striker, Aston Villa prepare £40m bid

Here are the latest Newcastle related transfer rumours:

Newcastle ‘lead race’ for Portugal international

Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica attacking midfielder Rafa Silva.

The Sunday Mirror claims that the 28-year-old’s representatives are speaking to clubs in England about a potential £30million move, with the Magpies top of the list.

United were linked with Silva last year, and it now seems he is set to leave The Eagles when he returns from Euro 2020 with Portugal.

There are contrasting reports over Steve Bruce’s transfer budget as he aims to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Josh King arrival would delight Callum Wilson – Steve Howey

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey believes the arrival of Josh King would delight Callum Wilson.

Wilson formed a decent partnership with the former Manchester United man at Bournemouth during their five years together at the Vitality Stadium.

And with King without a club this summer, Howey reckons signing the 29-year-old would benefit United – and Wilson.

He told Football FanCast: “I think it would just rejoin the two of them together again which I think Wilson would be delighted with.

"At times he was just up there on his own, even though (Allan) Saint-Maximin and (Miguel) Almiron do try to get up there with him.”

Aston Villa ‘prepare’ sizeable Tammy Abraham bid

Aston Villa are ready to spend up to £40m in order to land Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer.

Abraham has been told by Blues boss Thomas Tuchel that he is free to find a new club, and Villa are at the front of the queue given his successful loan spell there, three seasons ago.

Newcastle have been regularly linked with the 23-year-old but he appears to be out of the club’s price range.

Rafa Benitez attempted to sign the player on loan in 2017, however he opted to join Swansea City instead before firing Villa back to the Premier League with 26 goals.