Newcastle United to sanction £25m spend after 30-year-old rejects approach from club after talks with agent
Newcastle United could be about to dip into the transfer market to plug the gap in their squad as Eddie Howe faces an injury crisis in defence.
Eddie Howe said at the start of the window that they wouldn't sign players to cover injuries as he feels that it's throwing money at a short-term problem with long-term consequences, and while we understand where he's coming from, it seems that the club has now realised that it may be the only way to get through the rest of this season.
As long as Newcastle are considered with their approach and go for a player who was already being considered, the only real downside of going for them now rather than the summer is that we may have to pay a premium to do the deal mid-season.
The Daily Mail have today reported that they believe the club has set aside around £25 million to enable them to find a right-sided centre-back this month.
Newcastle have £25 million set aside for a new defender
Quite what £25 million can get you these days is anyone's guess, but if they can find a player from a foreign league who fits the profile we're looking at, that could do the trick. It does feel as though Newcastle are moving away from the whole 'Premier League-proven' thing, which makes sense to us.
Meanwhile, part of the reason the Magpies are moving down this avenue is that Matt Targett has told the club he wants to see out his loan contract with Middlesbrough.
The 30-year-old is in good form for the Championship side and wants to continue where he is rather than returning to Newcastle to potentially sit on the bench.
Newcastle are still keen on Dayann Methalie
Ross Wilson has been in talks with Targett's people about a return, and they have to make their mind up by tomorrow as to whether they want to recall the former Aston Villa man, but the Mail believes Eddie Howe and Wilson are ready to respect Targett's wishes.
Whether that means Newcastle will also be looking at full-backs this month, we're not sure, but Dayann Methalie's name keeps being bandied about.
The French full-back is high on Newcastle's wishlist, but after undergoing minor knee surgery, he's currently unavailable, which could mean the Magpies have to wait.
