Ross Wilson has eyes on 'aggressive' 22-year-old defender as potential January signing as Newcastle United look to repair defensive damage
This is Ross Wilson's first transfer window as Newcastle United's sporting director, and while we, along with many others, promised not to judge him too much on a January window, the fact that the club's hand appears to be forced into the market is giving us an opportunity to see what he can do.
Eddie Howe has been very clear that any additions made this month will be with the long-term in mind, not simply signing players to fix a short-term problem, of which Newcastle have plenty right now.
Newcastle's defensive options are sorely lacking right now, thanks to injury, but we absolutely understand the futility of signing a player in January to get us through the rest of the season only to be stuck with them for years when they aren't necessarily needed.
Therefore, it makes sense that Newcastle are only looking at players they would have gone for in the summer anyway. The profile seems to be defenders under the age of 24 who are ready to drop straight into the first team. This serves a dual purpose of helping with the immediate issue and also bringing down the average age of the defence, which is getting a bit long in the tooth.
Newcastle have a shortlist of defenders to look at this month, but none seem like an easy deal to do
Newcastle have been linked with Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, who is currently recovering from surgery, as well as Giorgio Scalvini, but Atalanta seem determined to hold on to their talented defender until the summer, at least.
Meanwhile, The Chronicle are reporting that Wilson has his eyes on Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic. The 22-year-old Bosnian arrived from Juventus for just £2.5 million in the summer after a successful loan.
Now thought to be valued at over £21 million, Newcastle have the 'aggressive and athletic' defender in their sights.
Newcastle's limited budget for a new defender could make things very difficult this month
Obviously, having just arrived in the summer, Sassuolo aren't keen on letting him leave so soon, so if Newcastle are seriously considering a move they may have a fight on their hands.
Trying to sign anyone in January is always tricky unless their contract is expiring in the summer, but when a club wants to keep that player, it becomes a nightmare.
It was revealed yesterday that Newcastle have around £25 million set aside to bring in a right-sided centre-back this month, which is going to make things tricky.
