Newcastle United’s injury crisis at the back has gone from bad to worse over the past week.
Dan Burn’s derby injury was followed by Tino Livramento hobbling off on Wednesday with another knee issue, leaving both sidelined until the new year.
Mix that with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth’s absence, along with Sven Botman’s slow return from a back issue, and we’re suddenly left threadbare across our entire back line, with Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall the only three fit.
A versatile defender who can plug a number of these gaps would be an ideal January buy, and it sounds like we already have one in mind.
As revealed by The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are looking to bring in Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, who is able to play at full-back or centre-back.
After reporting on our interest in four overseas midfielders in his latest Confidential column, Hope states that Methalie is a player ‘high on Newcastle’s wish list’ heading into the January window.
The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene in Ligue 1 this season, breaking into the France Under-21 squad after impressing at Toulouse; the same club Newcastle raided to sign Moussa Sissoko way back in January 2013.
Ross Wilson recently hinted at targeting more young gems from overseas, and Methalie certainly fits that criteria as a tall (6ft 2″), athletic and highly-rated defender who has clearly impressed Newcastle scouts this season.
A major spend is not anticipated next month, warns Hope, but Newcastle are keen to lower the average age of the squad, strengthen weak areas and start ‘succession planning.’
Methalie would be a step towards doing all three things, as he would not only provide cover and competition for Lewis Hall, but offer us another option should left-sided centre-backs Burn and Botman be injured.
Striking the right deal in January is never easy, but he appears to be a big one to watch as we look to recruit top young talent from abroad this winter.
What Mr Hopeless always forgets about these types of players is that Howe would not put him into the team even during a massive injury crisis, he doesn’t even do that with A Murphy who can also play LB and LCB.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I went down to Halifax on Tuesday to watch the U21’s (and to add another ground to my list). I was impressed with Pivas at CB, he might have a chance over next couple of years. Can definitely see Park being involved by next season unless he gets a year out on loan. As for the rest, can’t see it.
I watched Alex Murphy in the preseason game at Celtic and he might have a chance against the lesser sides for now. Been a CB all his career, but played LB out on loan at Bolton but not nearly as many games as we’d hope for if he was to feature much this season
Keith(Quote)
Any chance the next time you go to watch them could you just give a summary of the game and any individuals that stand out it’s been a while since I seen them and circumstances means it’s unlikely I will any time soon.
I wish the club would put more highlights from academy games on their site or YouTube like a lot of other clubs do.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I’d add Shahar to that list of could do a job over the next couple of seasons and Alfie Harrison Could benefit from a loan next season if our loan department can be trusted that is.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
We need to be scouting CBs that can pass the ball out from the back like Schar can – it’s such an understated weapon for our counter attacks.
Yan Bisseck would be a good option from Inter.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Goncarlo inacio ticks every box for me and has good pace when playing wingback or Kalulu again tickets every box.
Felix Namecha would strengthen up our midfield undoubtedly and bringing Ivan Toney back would get us banging on all cylinders.
But I fear little movement for us in the transfer window and that contradicts the claims from our owners that we will be one of the top teams in 5 years time, I just don’t see it and Chelsea will probably beat us to conclude we are going backwards.
Raymond Carr(Quote)
Yes ideal
Raymond Carr(Quote)
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nial(Quote)
CB from club Brugge is a bargain for 30 euro top agents from round the world are saying that he is fantastic with both head and feet and only 22 and two more from Ecuador getting high ratings If we do dip in the transfer market lets hope Eddie got nowt to do with it the buys he has done are absolutely shocking but he still insists that they will come right rubbish
Keith Richardson(Quote)
From a tight defence to a leaky defence, what’s happening? Can’t blame it all on injuries. Halftime against Chelsea 2-0 up, draw 2-2 not good enough!
Peter Beaumont(Quote)