TOP NEWS Reports suggest Eddie Howe's side have set their focus on the 22-year-old, with a potential 30 million pounds bid on the table to lure him from Anfield. Quansah, a product of Liverpool's academy, earned a surprise call-up to Thomas Tuchel's first England squad earlier this month for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. However, the young centre-back stayed on the bench for both victories, still awaiting his Three Lions debut. His inclusion raised eyebrows, considering he has started just 11 matches for Liverpool this season under Arne Slot, mostly in cup competitions. Slot has been candid about Quansah's journey. Reflecting on the defender's early struggles, he said, "It says a lot about his mentality. Last season, everybody saw what a talent he is. This season started with him in the lineup, but I changed him at half-time against Ipswich, as we all know." That moment saw Ibrahima Konate step in alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, forming a formidable partnership that has limited Quansah's minutes. Despite the setbacks, Slot has praised Quansah's growth. "Ibou and Virgil have been such a strong combination that he didn't play a lot, but every time he had to step up, except maybe the first game or two, you could see he's no longer just a talent. When you face setbacks, it's about how you react. "He's shown in his recent performances that he's outgrown that label. That's probably what Thomas Tuchel saw too by giving him a call-up." Newcastle's interest isn't new. The Times reports the Magpies inquired about Quansah last summer during Liverpool's pursuit of their winger Anthony Gordon. Now, with Howe prioritising a right-sided centre-back, the club have reignited their chase. Senior figures at Liverpool reportedly back the move, though Quansah still has four years left on his contract. The Magpies' recruitment plans remain fluid, hinging on whether they secure Champions League football, which would boost their budget. Sporting director Paul Mitchell, who took over from Dan Ashworth in September, has emphasised targeting young talent, and Quansah fits the bill perfectly. Elsewhere, Newcastle are also eyeing a right-sided forward and a new goalkeeper, with Burnley's James Trafford topping their list between the sticks. Meanwhile, Liverpool could face a defensive shake-up, with Trent Alexander-Arnold poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer and uncertainty swirling around Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, both out of contract soon. For Quansah, a switch to St James' Park could offer the regular football he craves. Newcastle's ambition is clear, they want to build a squad to compete at the top, and they see the Reds' young star as a key piece in that puzzle. Watch this space as the summer window heats up!
