With the summer transfer window due to shut three weeks today, Newcastle United are pushing on with their pursuit of a centre-back.
Speaking to two separate sources this morning, we’ve been told that Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba is currently the club’s ‘top target’, ticking several boxes as a 24-year-old, right-footed option with pace and ability on the ball.
However, Spurs are also pushing to sign the Burkina Faso international and have money to spend ahead of Harry Kane’s imminent £100m move to Bayern Munich.
Newcastle have a ceiling of around £40m available to bring in a new centre-back and must decide whether to go all in for Tapsoba in light of Tottenham’s ongoing interest – or pursue other options. Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Joachim Andersen, who could be pursued if we’re priced out of a move for the Bayer Leverkusen star, but Newcastle are not willing to spend big on the 27-year-old; currently valued at £40m by Crystal Palace.
With Tapsoba the top priority at present, our centre-back pursuit is expected to pick up next week, where we’ll sound out his preference and Leverkusen’s asking price before committing to a formal move.
Should that deal prove beyond our budget – a structured deal could be essential to work within our FFP restrictions – and Palace refuse to reduce their Andersen demands, the club will explore other options. Andersen is considered an ideal like-for-like to Fabian Schar, although there’s some concerns around his lack of pace; a key part of Tapsoba’s appeal and key trait we currently lack in defence.
One name that has been discussed behind the scenes and put forward by sporting director Dan Ashworth is Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap. We released an exclusive on our interested in the German international back in June, with the towering 21-year-old another athletic, young, right-sided centre-back.
He would cost considerably less than Tapsoba, with a £25m relegation release clause existing in his contract. That said, it’s thought Eddie Howe has some reservations, questioning if he’s ready for first-team football at St James’.
The Max Kilman links are also genuine, as his ability to play in either centre-back role or at left-back appeal to Eddie Howe, along with his composure on the ball and Premier League experience.
Tosin Adarabioyo is another name Newcastle have considered, as he’s expected to leave Fulham before the September 1st deadline and offers the pace, mobility and calmness in possession that Howe craves. Like Bella-Kotchap, he remains one to watch if moves for Tapsoba and Andersen prove too expensive.
Our remaining budget could be boosted if high earners like Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden are moved on, although the Championship clubs showing interest would only be willing to pay a small percentage of their wages, with Fraser on £75,000 per-week.
Massive mistake by Newcastle, you should have signed Pacqueta before he signed for West Ham. He would have jumped at the chance seeing that his good friend is Guimares! You have been lethargic in the transfer market. Let’s see some action!
The Judge(Quote)