Newcastle United have looked to the continent for an England international to help bolster their back line.
The main link ahead of the winter transfer window has been for the signature of PSV winger Johan Bakayoko, but the latest report coming out of Italy suggests that Newcastle may pursue reinforcements at centre-back.
Sven Botman’s imminent return to action will be like a new signing in and of itself throughout January and beyond, but competition for a starting spot may be about to heat up.
Newcastle interested in another AC Milan defender?
According to Italian outlet MilanLive, Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs that are considering a move for Fikayo Tomori.
The former Chelsea defender is deemed surplus to requirements at Milan after slipping down the pecking order under Paulo Fonseca, who is willing to sacrifice Tomori to finance a move for Lazio’s Mario Gila.
Newcastle too would have to sell in order to finance a signing due to our ongoing PSR issues, and would have to move swiftly to fed off interest from West Ham and Aston Villa, who previously beat us to the signature of Diego Carlos.
MilanLive report that the Rossoneri want a fee in the region of €30m (£25m) for the five-capped Englishman, who has had fitness issues of his own while in Italy.
A high priority signing?
Botman’s return to action will breathe new life into a defence that has struggled in part this season, especially once the Dutchman returns to the ability he showcased before his injury woes.
There’s no doubt we’ll in the market for a centre-back soon after several attempts to sign Marc Guehi over the summer, I just don’t think that signing will arrive next month, with a right-winger more likely if we make a sale.
I also question if Tomori is the long-term answer and man to eventually replace Fabian Schar. He’s hardly a young option to future-proof our defence at 27, he’s had injury issues and is, in my view, a level below what we’ll target to become Botman’s long-term partner.
If we are to sell next month with the view of signing a first team player, with Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Martin Dubravka linked with exits, then surely a right-winger would be a higher priority signing despite Jacob Murphy’s recent purple patch.
Oh my .. botman has to recover from a really severe injury and lengthy time out. It may be worth exercising caution with expectations and hyperbole given he hasn’t made a bench yet.
I hope he does return to the player he looked pre injury
Jonesy(Quote)
At £25 million he’s worth it and will bring both experience and leadership. Given the low price it will allow Newcastle to bring through a young star in the making as his apprentice. Also at that price with some player sales they could afford Bakayoko in my opinion. Sell Barnes and do a player (Almiron) plus cash deal with Botafogo for Igor Jesus. RCB, RW and CF/LW sorted, for Champions League push, with none of them cup tied either.
1lostandfound(Quote)