The Telegraph have released a Monday afternoon update on the Toon transfer front, revealing the latest on our pursuit of TWO new midfielders.
First off, North-East reporter Luke Edwards reveals that we’ve suffered an early setback in our pursuit of Kalvin Phillips; a player we revealed our interest in during an NUFC Blog exclusive last week.
He states that Howe is a big fan, feeling he ticks several boxes in our search for a new No 6, but it’s thought the Man City midfielder prefers to fight for his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans, at this stage.
Elsewhere, the report names three others midfielders on our list of targets; Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and recently relegated Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
The piece also issues an update on Gabri Veiga, who the Spanish press said was ‘very close’ to joining Newcastle just last week. However, according to The Telegraph, he ‘will not be signing’ at St James’ Park this summer, with several sources on Tyneside denying claims that we’re closing in on the Celta Vigo sensation.
Back to Phillips, it’s an initial setback and sounds like he’ll stay at City in hope of increased game time, but ‘the situation could change’ if Guardiola doesn’t see the England international in his long-term plans, meaning Newcastle have asked to be kept informed about his availability.
Thuram’s name is not going away – despite strong links with Liverpool – but I have my doubts on Caicedo, who is a great player but someone Brighton will demand big bucks for. Lavia is a superb young player who ticks several boxes and I can see Scott McTominay’s name resurfacing soon; not that many fans are keen to see the Man Utd midfielder sign.
Surely our best bet would be to go back in for Paqueta. He is tried and tested now in the premixer what a player to link up with bruno and joelinton
Bob findlay(Quote)
Thank god we’re not signing Philips – he’s a one season wonder and vastly overrated- £10m player at best – need to be looking at betting targets than him
Mike the mag(Quote)
Why re post Luke edwards stuff it’s always fake whatifery and constantly wrong
Mike(Quote)