It’s the worst kept secret in terms of our transfer links, but it’s looking very likely we’ll try and sign a young midfielder in the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe, Ross Wilson and the recruitment team have cast a wide net across Europe and even South America to try and find their next star, who we can expect to be a long term option as Joelinton edges closer to 30-years-old and Joe Willock is linked with a move.
The leading candidate right now appears to be AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit, who is already attracting plenty of suitors across the continent and will cost in the region of £30m to bring to Tyneside.
But a fresh report hints that if we can’t sign Smit, or the Dutchman opts for a move elsewhere, then we’ve identified a potential backup…
Danois interest revealed
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Auxerre and France U-21 star Kevin Danois is being eyed up as an option should we be unable to sign Smit in the coming windows.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope highlights how Danois meets the ideal criteria for what we’re look in for in a midfielder: athletic, good on the ball, and with tremendous potential:
“It’s an Auxerre midfielder, 21-years-old, called Kevin Danois.
“If they can’t get Kees Smit, Danois is one they could pivot to. 21-year-old, playing for Auxerre, France Under-21 international.
Really athletic, good on the ball. That’s the profile of player they are looking for. So there you go guys, Kevin Danois.”
He’s worked his way up through Auxerre’s system in the last few seasons, playing a key part in their promotion to Ligue 1 back in the 2023/24 campaign, and has fought back from some injury concerns to become a routine starter in the top flight.
The Frenchman was subject to a failed bid by Premier League rivals Bournemouth this past summer, where Auxerre rejected an offer worth approximately £9.3m from the Cherries.
Other factors could play part in Danois signing
Howe has made it very clear in the past that he prefers a three man midfield, with backups and depth an absolute necessity.
Right now, the core trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are backed up by Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, which doesn’t leave much room for another midfield signing to be made without some big changes.
Willock has been linked with a move away by the end of the season, with Crystal Palace highlighted as a potential suitor. The former Arsenal man’s departure could very well facilitate the move for a player like Smit or Danois.
However, one has to question what this would do to Lewis Miley: the 19-year-old is still younger than both European talents, and has proven time and time again that when handed the minutes by Howe, he can deliver. So it would be a shame if another midfielder came in and reduced his route to minutes.
It’s all about being a squad game now, Miley should still get playing time, with rotation being key if we have serious ambitions about playing in 4 comps every season. Personally if the reports are true, sell Jolinton and Willock and bring both in, especially if there both better on the ball.
Darren Bebb(Quote)
A loan spell for miley he is not getting playing time at newcastle lets see how he progress ,s with a other team it might be better all round new faces and team chance to fetch the best out of him new young keeper also and area,s filled were we are short
Keith Richardson(Quote)
After how Miley played in his last two games I think it was criminal he lost his place, should be a mainstay if recent form is taken into consideration.
Personally I’d like us to sign a cdm to give us a option we don’t have, yes we have players that can play that position but a cdm is someone (if on the bench) that could come on late in a game we’re winning and shoes it up better than going to 3 at the back which has cost us this season.
I just think it gives us more options than another CM, like I said we can go more defensive without disrupting the defence late in games or against the top teams without losing our bite in midfield.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Shore not shoe f****** auto correct
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Agree with CDM might plug them gaps in the midfield, weather Howe want’s to go that way I’m not to sure.
Darren Bebb(Quote)
More Craig hope daily fail garbage blah blah blah
ToonRme(Quote)