NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.

Tavernier and his brother James, 33 - now captain of Rangers - grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.

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But the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.

The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.

However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer.

Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons.

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And he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers.

Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists.

Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.

Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth.

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And Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo's men - and bring Champions League football back to St James Park.

Howe said: "The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league.

"Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.

"We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points.

"It is not impossible for us to achieve it.

“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that.

"If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up.

"They are important games coming up in the next few weeks."