Newcastle have made contact over signing an Anthony Gordon replacement who Man City are also very keen on, according to reports.

Newcastle's summer is going to be defined by two things: who leaves and who replaces them.

The potential departures are well documented by now.

Anthony Gordon has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich and appears set on a move to the Bundesliga, but the two clubs remain apart on valuation — Newcastle want upwards of £75m, Bayern are thought to be willing to stretch to around £60m.

Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali has been heavily linked with an exit, with Arsenal, Man United, Juventus and Real Madrid all circling.

The incoming side of the ledger needs to match that upheaval.

Eddie Howe's recruitment team have already made significant progress on a deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with a growing belief that the £39m-rated Senegal international is destined for St James' Park.

Talks with Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen are advanced too, with the 20-year-old Frenchman having already visited the training ground and agreed terms in principle (Sacha Tavolieri).

But it is the Gordon-shaped hole that demands the most urgent attention.

And according to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have now made contact over signing a player they believe could be the long-term answer.

Newcastle make approach for Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the 21-year-old Lille forward, is one of four wide players Newcastle are assessing as potential replacements.

Bailey reports that the Magpies have been carrying out extensive scouting work on the Belgian throughout 2026, with both the analytics department and live scouts delivering highly positive reports.

Newcastle view him as a natural fit for Howe's attacking system, and his ability to operate from the left side — the position Gordon has made his own — is a key part of the attraction.

The numbers back up the interest.

Fernandez-Pardo has contributed eight goals and seven assists across 41 appearances in all competitions this season, his second campaign at Lille after joining from Gent in August 2024.

He has been a regular starter in Ligue 1, featuring 29 times in the league, and has also gained valuable European experience with 11 Europa League outings.

At 6ft 2in, the "match-winner" combines physical presence with pace and technical quality — a rare blend for a player still only 21.

Newcastle are far from alone in their admiration.

SportsBoom reported earlier this month that Arsenal are attempting to leverage their strong relationship with Lille to get ahead in the race, while Man City have already established initial contact with the player's representatives and presented an offer as part of a long-term project.

Atlético Madrid are also in the picture, with Diego Simeone reportedly offering a guaranteed starting role.

Lille are understood to want in the region of £52m including bonuses — a significant fee, but one that reflects how highly they rate a player under contract until 2029.

An intriguing subplot is that Fernandez-Pardo shares the same agency as Gordon, which could add a layer of complexity — or convenience — to negotiations depending on how both situations develop.