‘Really liked’: Eddie Howe now confirms summer interest in controversial Borussia Dortmund star

Eddie Howe admitted that Newcastle United had looked at signing Felix Nmecha in the summer when quizzed on the topic after last night's Champions League defeat.

The Borussia Dortmund goalscorer was apparently on the club's midfield shortlist this summer as the former Manchester City youth prospect looked to move on from Wolfsburg.

When the head coach spoke to the media at St. James' Park last night, a reporter brought up the interest and asked how close Nmecha came to joining Newcastle.

Howe admits Newcastle considered Nmecha this summer

“He’s a player that we looked and and we really liked, but yeah, he’s obviously at Dortmund now.”

Eddie didn't give much more away than that, but it seems now the interest was indeed genuine.

Nmecha remained in the Bundesliga and signed for Borussia Dortmund for around £26 million, although he was not welcomed with open arms by the supporters, and probably for good reason.

Newcastle made a good call not pursuing the midfielder

When the Magpies' interest was first reported, some outlets revealed that Nmecha had published homophobic and transphobic content on his social media, and because of that fans protested his signing.

The player maintains that the posts were taken out of context, but GOAL reports that Dortmund have inserted a social media clause in his contract which can see him fined for breaches.

Nmecha looks like a good player, but the last thing Newcastle would need is another reason to bring more scrutiny our way which could be the reason no move was made for him in the end.

Saying that, Sandro Tonali was likely the alternative to Nmecha, and look how that's turned out!