Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.

With the Magpies closing in on Champions League football, Eddie Howe is expected to be given the financial backing to build a side that can compete on both domestic and European fronts.

The midfield is one area where Howe is seemingly keen to strengthen, and the North-East club have been linked with a number of names.

West Ham United's Declan Rice and Chelsea's Mason Mount have been mooted as possible targets, but it appears that the Magpies are lining up a potential move for one of Mount's teammates.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are keen to sign Gallagher, with Howe looking to sign players with Premier League experience.

The Magpies are in third position in the Premier League table and could offer Gallagher the opportunity to play Champions League football next season as well as regular game time.

Despite making 42 appearances across all competitions this term, Gallagher has had to settle for just 18 starts.

The England international has two years left to run on his current deal, but Chelsea are willing to listen to offers at the end of the season.

The Blues are expected to offload several players this summer as they look to trim their squad and meet Financial Fair Play rules.

Newcastle also considering a move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, but they will reportedly face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

After having a £50m bid rejected for Maddison last year, Newcastle are set to renew their interest during the summer transfer window.

However, the Magpies could face greater economic restrictions than Tottenham due to Financial Fair Play regulations.

After picking up a point from their last two games, Newcastle will attempt to return to winning ways when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to St James' Park on Thursday. body check tags ::