Newcastle United to bid for Fulham midfielder

Newcastle United will retain their interest in Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney after a failed approach for his services last winter.

The 26-year-old had been in fine form for the Cottagers during the 2016/17 Championship season where he notched 13 goals and 10 assists.

Despite this, the west London outfit fell short of their quest to attain Premier League promotion after they were beaten by Reading in the play-offs.

According to The Sun, the Magpies will plot a £12m raid for the playmaker this summer as they seek to reinforce their midfield ranks.

Manager Rafa Benitez has already revealed his intention to stay put at St.James Park, and he is likely to be rewarded with a significant transfer kitty in order to avoid another instance of top-flight relegation.

Cairney, who has spent two seasons at Craven Cottage, previously enjoyed a Premier League stint with Hull City during the 2009-10 season.

His performances this term have not gone unnoticed with Scotland boss Gordon Strachan handing him his first cap earlier in March.