Newcastle aiming to wing it this summer

NEWCASTLE United want to sign TWO left-wingers this summer – and have carried out background checks on Leicester City’s Tom Lawrence.

United want to be decisive in the summer transfer window and are looking to wrap up their business as soon as possible, with Rafa Benitez keen to strengthen the spine of his Newcastle side.

But he wants to beef up his wide options and has a list that includes Andros Townsend, Leicester’s Lawrence and Liverpool’s 19-year-old prospect Seyi Ojo.

It’s understood Newcastle have been tracking Lawrence all season as he has excelled in an Ipswich side that had a tough campaign.

United contemplated a move in January – but with Leicester prepared to let him go this summer, they’re keen to make a move soon.

Newcastle will announce Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita’s exits in the coming days, leaving spaces on the wing and in midfield that Benitez wants to fill.

Lawrence was a £1million signing from Manchester United for Leicester but he has been unable to force his way into the Foxes reckoning. What appeals to Newcastle partly is that he can operate in a variety of roles and at 23, he still have plenty of room to improve.

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy says there is “no chance” of Lawrence playing in the Championship next season and that he believes he is a Premier League player.

And Lawrence himself said: “I’ve got a long summer ahead and we’ll see what happens.

“There’s a possibility of many different things, but I don’t know my future yet, I’ve got a lot of discussions to have.”