MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle’s January spending spree has turned their campaign around — so who should the Magpies target in the summer transfer window?
The Tyneside outfit, now backed by rich Saudi Arabian owners, have won five of their last six Premier League games and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.
As Eddie Howe’s men prepare for tonight’s trip to Southampton, we take a look at five players who would strengthen their squad for next season.
Sven Botman
Newcastle’s pursuit of Lille’s Sven Botman in January was well publicised and their interest does not appear to have waned despite failing to land the 22-year-old ace.
Judging by the fact the Magpies went on to sign 29-year-old Dan Burn, Howe clearly still desired a tall, left-footed, ball-playing centre-back — but the younger Botman represents a long-term upgrade.
The 6ft 5in defender has won a commendable 2.2 aerial duels per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 this term, while also completing 87.8% of his 59.85 attempted passes per 90.
Though Burn boasts a better record in the air, winning 3.06 aerial duels per 90 in the league this season, his passing numbers are inferior — averaging 51.84 attempted passes per 90 with a completion rate of 81.16%.
The Tynesiders will need to fight off interest from AC Milan to recruit the highly-rated Dutchman, with Italian media reporting Botman is close to agreeing a move to the San Siro.
Diego Carlos
Another centre-back who Newcastle pursued in January is Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.
That chase also ended in failure — but the Magpies could revisit the situation at the end of the season.
The Brazilian, 28, is a slightly different profile of central defender, being right-footed and standing at 6ft 1in. But he is also an excellent passer and key to Sevilla’s build-up play from deep.
Of centre-backs who have played at least 500 minutes in LaLiga, only three can better his record for passes attempted (69.87), passes completed (61.29) and touches (80.16) per 90.
St James’ Park chiefs will need to meet a £67million release clause, however, which may impede any negotiations with the LaLiga club.
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard came very close to leaving Manchester United in January but was ultimately denied a move away from Old Trafford.
His contract expires at the end of the season, however, and he appears set to depart in search of regular first-team football.
The Red Devils’ No14 has been afforded just 200 minutes of Premier League action so far this term but has still managed to score twice — including one off the bench in a 4-1 win over Newcastle.
The Magpies will expect to be in a strong position to land Lingard, 29, as a free agent in the summer.
Ousmane Dembele
Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele is another player who could be available on a free this summer — and the Frenchman would be a real coup for Newcastle.
The 24-year-old’s game time has been limited due to injury issues this season, though he has still managed one goal and five assists in just 586 minutes of LaLiga action.
But Blaugrana boss Xavi recently praised Dembele’s conduct, raising hopes of a contract extension for the winger.
He said: “I see [Dembele] happy and acting like a professional. I can say that he trained to the maximum even when he was not [playing].
“If he hadn’t been a professional I wouldn’t let him play, instead he gives something positive to the group and will give a lot between now and the end of the season.”
Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle were in negotiations with Reims for the signature of 19-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike in January — but they could not reach an agreement with the French side.
The teenager has scored an impressive nine goals and registered two assists in 21 league appearances so far this campaign.
Ekitike is more than just a goalscorer though, demonstrating excellent dribbling skills and defensive grit.
In Ligue 1, the centre forward has attempted 3.21 take-ons per 90 — completing 1.49 — while also averaging 1.25 tackles and 0.39 interceptions per 90.
Howe is hardly short on central striking options with proven Premier League performers Chris Wood and Callum Wilson already in his ranks.
But the 30-year-old pair may benefit from adding a young gun into the mix.
