Sky Sports’ have confirmed that Newcastle retain an interest in bringing Kieran Tierney to St James’ Park this summer, issuing an update on our pursuit after reports of a loan bid this morning.
Keith Downie reveals that we’ve been in contact with Arsenal throughout the summer, with Eddie Howe a big fan of the Scottish international.
However, we may need to agree a loan that includes an obligation to sign the 26-year-old next summer; which is ‘not easy’ given the Gunners currently prefer a permanent move.
Interestingly, Downie also reveals that the current ‘feeling’ on Tyneside is that we’re now more likely to sign a left-back than a centre-back over the final few weeks of the summer window. The club were thought to be prioritising a right-sided CB able to compete with Fabian Schar, but it remains to be seen if a suitable option emerges that works within our FFP constraints.
On Tierney, it’s thought Mikel Arteta understands his wish to play regular football after leaving the player out of his squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, but it remains to be seen if they accept a loan-to-buy or structured deal that works for Newcastle.
Sky report that the Scot has interest from other clubs and is ‘aware this is a big decision in his career’, with the player keen to get his career back on track after a frustrating few seasons at the Emirates.
Here’s what Downie has had to say, explaining that the signing of another LB would allow Dan Burn to act as cover at centre-back:
