Newcastle player hailed ‘brilliant’ by Eddie Howe edges closer to January transfer
Newcastle could be waving goodbye to a their first-team star in the new year as Eddie Howe prepares to receive a transfer approach for one of his out-of-contract defenders.
Newcastle have plenty to sort out both on and off the pitch right now in their quest to become a regular in the Champions League and a powerhouse in the English game once again.
Eddie Howe‘s side currently sit 13th in the Premier League after a slow start to the season, with the future of a number of his first-team players unclear as it stands.
Fabian Schar wants to stay at Newcastle with his contract due to expire at the end of the season and no talks planned as yet, while Sandro Tonali recently admitted that his future is tough to predict, with clubs likely to eye a move for him next summer.
Howe will want to keep the core of his squad at the club long-term, but one of those on the fringes of the team could soon move on and end a six-year spell on Tyneside.
Emil Krafth is wanted by FC Copenhagen
The Daily Mail‘s Craig Hope (6 November) has reported that Danish champions FC Copenhagen are interested in signing Magpies defender Emil Krafth.
The right-back is out of contract at St James’ Park next summer, and he could make a move away as early as January as Copenhagen weigh up their options.
Krafth joined Newcastle from Amiens in 2019, and he has survived their rise under PIF to make 106 appearances for the club, with three so far this term.
He is believed to be settled with his family on Tyneside, but the report states that a move closer to his homeland of Sweden could appeal if Copenhagen offer the security of a longer contract.
What Eddie Howe has said about Krafth
Krafth has extended his contract at St James’ Park on three separate occasions in the last three years, with his last pen to paper coming in February as he was tied down until June 2026.
The 31-year-old has had to settle for a bit-part role over the years since he joined, but has seemingly remained professional and content while filling in well when needed at right-back.
Newcastle boss Howe praised him following a strong performance against Chelsea last November, saying: “He’s just such an unassuming, brilliant professional. Really hard working, so dependable. When you meet him, you instantly like him.
“He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him.”
Howe will likely not want to lose Krafth’s services midway through a campaign, as he would need to replace him, but he could make a move away if the club wish to recoup some of the £5million paid back in 2019, rather than let him go for free.