Jonathan Tah to Newcastle: O’Rourke updates on ‘brilliant signing’
Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah on a free transfer this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 29-year-old would be viewed as a “brilliant signing” as Eddie Howe’s squad aim to strengthen at centre-back.
However, they will face intense competition for his services as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on his situation.
The Germany international’s agent has been speaking to clubs across Europe to drum up interest, while Man United are also among his admirers.
The Magpies have turned their attentions to Tah after Football Insider revealed Newcastle will miss out on Nico Schlotterbeck, who is set to sign a new deal with Dortmund.
After failing with a £70million bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi last summer, the signing of a new centre-back remains the top priority.
Newcastle assessing options after Jonathan Tah blow
Tah has made 47 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen so far this season and played 90 minutes in every Bundesliga game for which he was available.
His availability on a free transfer has put Europe’s top clubs on high alert as he remains one of the most highly-rated defensive talents thanks to his displays in Germany.
The rival interest has come as a blow to Newcastle, and they have been forced to consider alternative options as a result.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 24 April that Kim Min-jae is on Newcastle’s shortlist as he could leave Bayern Munich.
Min-jae is viewed as an option to bring more elite-level experience into the team while improving on the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar despite their impressive seasons.
Marc Guehi update emerges after Crystal Palace stance shared
Newcastle’s plans to sign a new centre-back come after their efforts to sign Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer fell through in the window’s closing stages.
Now, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle have retained their interest in Guehi and are prepared to make a fresh offer for his services.
The centre-back will have one year remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park at the end of the season and there is a belief he could be available for a discounted fee.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Palace have begun planning to replace Guehi as they accept he will leave at the end of the season.
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