Newcastle United are preparing for a return to the Champions League stage under Eddie Howe and could now be set to lodge a bid to complete a bargain deal on Tyneside, according to reports.

Newcastle United prepare for a summer of change

The Magpies sit at an advantage to some of their Premier League rivals when it comes to their financial health. However, PSR regulations could be a frustrating factor in their ability to solicit business.

Speaking about their potential activity, finance expert Kieran Maguire understands why the Magpies may feel short-changed by the rules and the course of action they have taken since falling into play.

He explained: "City, Chelsea and PSG got in before those rules changed. We now have clubs like Newcastle, Villa and Nottingham Forest, who are ambitious and aspirational. They want to move to the next level. The owners are willing to fund that move to the next level, but the cost control measures prevent them from doing so.

"It's a function of time. Some clubs were on the right side of the divide when the rules were introduced, but we have since seen clubs become very frustrated."

Either way, Howe is keen on strengthening his forward line having already signed youngster Antonio Cordero, and Porto forward Samu Aghehowa may be on his way to Newcastle amid his £82.5 million release clause.

Central defender Evan Ndicka could also move to the North East from Roma if reports are to be believed in a swoop that would see a priority position strengthened for Howe.

Strength in depth is needed to adequately handle both domestic and European endeavours, so it won't come as any surprise to hear that Newcastle are probing for another option that could add to their rearguard.

Newcastle open negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele

Africa Foot claim Newcastle have opened negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain and have kicked things off with an offer in the region of £12.7 million for the France international.

The Champions League holders don't see the 27-year-old as a major part of their future plans, which is reflected in the fact he spent the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and registered two goals and one assist in 24 matches.

Earning around £113,000 per week at his parent club, versatile defender Mukiele won 80% of his attempted tackles in the Bundesliga last term either in central defence or on the right-hand side of Xabi Alonso's backline.

Now back at his parent club, he finds himself at a career crossroads amid Paris Saint-Germain's excellent position in the world of football, but he will have plenty of interested suitors ready to offer him a new challenge, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Everton, Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Newcastle are likely to be at the front of that queue due to their upward trajectory, meaning it is now over to Howe and company to push a deal through.