Newcastle United have “begun discussions” with a Premier League “leader” over a move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new transfer report.
Centre-back a priority for Newcastle this summer
The Magpies are eyeing new signings all over the pitch, from James Trafford in goal to Anthony Elanga out wide, but a new centre-back is vital before the new season gets underway.
A freshness is required in that area of the pitch, especially with the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger, and Marc Guehi is seemingly a front-runner to come in and bolster the options at Eddie Howe’s disposal. A £70m move to St James’ continues to be mooted.
The England international is far from the only defender being mentioned as an option for Newcastle, though, with Marseille ace Leonardo Balerdi linked with a summer switch to the Magpies.
Similarly, Atalanta central defender Giorgi Scalvini has also been toured as a potential signing for Howe before next season gets underway, and now another name has been thrown into the hat.
Newcastle in talks to sign Premier League “leader”
According to a fresh update from RMC Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are among the clubs to have “begun discussions” with Axel Disasi over a summer move to the club.
The Magpies’ interest is described as being “particularly” strong, with the Chelsea defender valued at around £25.8m by his current club.
Disasi is another good option for Newcastle this summer, even though the jury may be out on him slightly more than someone like Guehi.
The Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea last season, hence him being loaned out to Aston Villa midway through the campaign, but he is a player with plenty to admire in his game.
The 27-year-old Disasi has won five caps for France, which is no mean feat, considering some of the elite centre-backs representing Les Bleus currently, including William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano. Meanwhile, journalist Nizaar Kinsella has hailed him as a “leader”, while Jamie Carragher lauded one performance from him last year.
“I can’t remember a better defensive performance this season, certainly from a central defender. Coming away to Manchester City, playing against the best striker in the world. He was brilliant. He was the man of the match, I don’t think I said it on air but he was the best player on the pitch.”
Now back at Chelsea, it seems unlikely that he has a future there, with the above report stating that he has an “exit ticket” out of Stamford Bridge, and he could be a cheaper option than Guehi for Newcastle, albeit also being more of a gamble.
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Newcastle likely to see £30m bid accepted to sign a Scalvini upgrade
Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his defence this summer at Newcastle United.
At 27, he is at a good point in his career to be an instant success, though, so the Magpies signing him would be far from a disaster.
