Newcastle United Transfers: 6 Young Stars Toon Army Should Target This Summer

With only 10 games remaining in the Premier League season, we're now only months away from the opening of the summer transfer window and, as usual, you can expect Newcastle United to be very active.

One thing Newcastle may target in the summer is youth.

The Toon have shown an eye for talent in recent years, picking up the likes of Danny Simpson, Danny Guthrie and Tim Krul—all of whom have made major first team contributions since their respective signings.

With rumours of departure for a number of key first team players—including stars Demba Ba and Cheik Tiote—Newcastle may be looking to bolster their squad with cheap, young and undervalued players who'll be able to contribute for years to come.

Here, I've outlined six potential candidates who fit the bill.

Nathaniel Clyne

Defender Nathaniel Clyne of Crystal Palace has emerged as a potential signing, not only for Newcastle but for a multitude of major Premier League clubs.

Why He Should Be Signed

The addition of Nathaniel Clyne in defence could provide realistic competition for Danny Simpson in the right-back role, and he could even be competing for a starting place by the time next season starts.

At the very least, Clyne will provide depth—something Newcastle have been severely lacking this season on the defensive side of the game.

How He Can Be Signed

With the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool showing serious interest in Clyne, it may be tough to prise him away from the grasp of clubs who will simply be willing and able to pay more.

That said, if Newcastle really want someone, the £10 million signing of Papiss Demba Cisse shows that they'll be willing to splash out if need be. 

Likely Transfer Fee: £4 million 

James McCarthy

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy has found himself a starting Premier League role with the Latics and, with his side currently facing the prospect of relegation, he could well be available at season's end.

Why He Should Be Signed

With the rumours of the departure of Cheik Tiote via transfer and Danny Guthrie as a free agent, a hole could soon open up in the centre of midfield—and James McCarthy may well be the man to fill the role.

The Irish international has impressed many with his performances for Wigan this season, and with the capability to play in the middle or on the wing, his signing could be another that will help with depth if nothing else.

How He Can Be Signed

As I mentioned,  it appears that McCarthy's current club Wigan will be relegated at the end of the season, and if this happens they may well be forced to let some of their top talent go.

For a club with as little a fan base as Wigan, it will be a struggle to keep finances in order with the drop to the Championship, so the club may well look to offload some players to make up for the loss of income.

If this happens, many a club will be interested, but I imagine the market for McCarthy won't be too crowded for Newcastle to miss out.

Likely Transfer Fee: £5.5 Million 

Steven Caulker

Spurs centre-back Steven Caulker, currently on loan at Swansea, is yet another defender who could make a major difference on Tyneside.

Why He Should Be Signed

Recent weeks in the absence of Steven Taylor have reminded Newcastle fans of the need for a starting-quality back-up for the oft-injured centre-back, and Steven Caulker provides this.

Standing at 6'3", Caulker could be a genuine force in the centre of defence and his place in the England under-21 side shows that this potential is seeping through.

With a little bit of Premier League play under his belt already, Caulker will have the experience to play extensive minutes from day one, a factor that should put him ahead of a number of other young defenders Newcastle may target.

How He Can Be Signed

Speculation has already begun regarding Newcastle's potential interest in the defender, and all signs report to a bid being put in in the summer.

Caulker is probably a player that Spurs would like to keep for the future, but for the right price they may be persuaded to part ways with him.

Don't expect a multi-team battle for him, though, as he doesn't exactly have a "for sale" tag on him.

Likely Transfer Fee: £3.5 million

Junior Hoilett

Blackburn stand-out Junior Hoilett has the talent to start on any team in the Premier League, and if Newcastle can find a way to pick him up and develop him he could nicely round out a Champions League-challenging squad.

Why He Should Be Signed

With Gabriel Obertan's below-par play and Alan Pardew's general reluctance to consistently play Hatem Ben Arfa, a place on Newcastle's right wing has opened up.

It appears at this point that Hoilett has the skill and talent to play on both sides of the pitch, so he could end up being the perfect instant replacement for the lacklustre Obertan.

Even if Ben Arfa does eventually solidify his starting role, Hoilett could be very useful on the bench or even used elsewhere in the formation.

How He Can Be Signed

As another player on a team battling for their Premier League lives, Hoilett may well be available to Newcastle—as James McCarthy might be—if Blackburn are eventually relegated.

Since Hoilett is out of contract at season's end, it is unlikely that Blackburn would be able to drag him down to the Championship with them.

This will open things up for Newcastle and an array of other clubs, with Hoilett being free to decide on the best contract offered to him.

Likely Transfer Fee: Nothing

Douglas

Emerging Twente star Douglas is more than likely to attract a lot of attention from multiple teams once the transfer window opens.

Newcastle, with their need for at least one more centre-back, will assuredly be one of those interested teams.

Why He Should Be Signed

Douglas has the capability to earn a starting spot ahead of Steven Taylor and, if there is a chance, Newcastle should pounce to get this type of talent.

Defence has been an issue in recent weeks, but his signing may just shore things up for next season.

How He Can Be Signed

If Newcastle don't act quickly, they may just be left out of the race for Douglas, as it is inevitable that big clubs worldwide will catch on eventually.

Douglas' stock will quickly rise over the summer and in subsequent seasons, to prices that Newcastle simply won't be able to match.

At the moment he is relatively under-the-radar though, so early this summer will be the perfect time to strike a fair deal.

Likely Transfer Fee: £5 million

Rhys Williams

Versatile defender (if he must be tied down to a single position) Rhys Williams could be another player Newcastle will look to sign if January rumours which linked the 'Boro star to St. James' Park are to be believed.

Why He Should Be Signed

As a team with few realistic options off the bench, Newcastle could certainly benefit from Williams' versatility.

James Perch has recently thrived in this utility-type role and having another player of similar skill set could be very beneficial.

Williams is also most well-known as a defender, a position Newcastle will desperately be trying to bolster in the summer.

How He Can Be Signed

As a Championship player without as much hype surrounding him as Nathaniel Clyne, Williams could be relatively cheap and easy to get a hold of.

There doesn't appear to be much interest from any other club with the stature of Newcastle, so it would certainly appear that, if interested, they'd be the front-runners.

Likely Transfer Fee: £2 million