Newcastle set sights on signing ‘very important’ player, he’s one of ‘first names’ on Eddie Howe’s shortlist
Newcastle are lining up a potential January swoop for key Roma midfielder Manu Kone, with Eddie Howe believed to be a big fan of his abilities.
Newcastle‘s first-choice midfield has been vital to their recent success under Eddie Howe, with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali forming a strong connection in the middle of the park.
Their performances as a team have dropped off this season, however, with Football Insider recently revealing that Newcastle could look to replace Joelinton in January due to his inconsistent showings.
Jacob Ramsey was signed from Aston Villa in the summer window, but he has failed to break into the side on a regular basis, while Joe Willock has been linked with a Newcastle exit too.
It is clear that Howe is planning more changes to his options in the centre of the field soon, and another target has now been identified ahead of the new year.
Newcastle want Manu Kone but face an uphill battle as he is ‘happy’ at Roma
Manu Kone has made his name as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe during spells with Borussia Monchengladbach and now Roma.
The France international made 46 appearances across all competitions last season as the Italian capital side finished fifth, and Tuttomercatoweb have now reported that Newcastle are interested in signing him in the January window.
Howe reportedly wants to bolster his midfield options in the new year, and the Roma star is one of the “first names” on the Magpies’ shortlist.
Roma, however, are set to resist any advances for the 24-year-old, like they did in the summer when Inter Milan were linked with a move and boss Gian Piero Gasperini called him a “very important” player for the club.
They currently sit top of Serie A and Kone is considered a key part of their title aims, while he is also thought to be “happy” at the club.
Newcastle also targeting Kees Smit in January
Newcastle have succeeded in operating like a top club in recent years, and they need that to continue now that their form has taken a dip at the start of this season.
With so much uncertainty around their midfield plans in January and beyond, fans will be excited to learn of their interest in one of Europe’s rising stars in Kees Smit.
AZ Alkmaar star Smit is believed to be open to joining Newcastle, despite some huge clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid also tracking his progress.
It remains to be seen who the Magpies do try to sign in January, but with a move for Kone seeming unlikely unless they sell one of their first-choice stars, Smit could well be the man to join and freshen up Howe’s options in the middle of the park.