Sources: Newcastle United plotting move to sign Sven Botman ally after London talks
Newcastle United are plotting to sign a new centre-back this summer as they look to strengthen the spine of their side, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that a partner for star defender Sven Botman is on the Magpies' summer shortlist despite the impressive form of Fabian Schar.
Qualifying for the Champions League this season could unlock the funds needed to bring another top-class centre-back to St James' Park in the off-season.
Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie is one target for Newcastle this summer - even after he signed a new contract at the German club.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (12 February) that interested clubs will have to pay more than £50million to secure the 21-year-old's signature.
Sources told this site (16 January) that the Magpies held talks in London with Hincapie's representatives in January - but no mid-season deal materialised.
The young centre-back, who can also slot in at left-back, is widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents in the world.
Botman has been an ever-present for Newcastle since his reported £35million arrival from Lille in the summer window last year (2022).
Schar, who has gone to the next level since Eddie Howe arrived at the club in 2021, is out of contract at St James' Park in 2024.
Back-up option Jamaal Lascelles is widely expected to leave the club in the summer window after managing just 104 minutes of Premier League action this season.
Newcastle sit fourth in the Premier League - two points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham with a game in hand.
Howe's side can secure Europa Conference League qualification by beating fellow Champions League challengers Man United in the League Cup final next week (26 February).