Newcastle should beat Leeds to Oumar Solet deal after confirmed news

Oumar Solet could easily be on his way to the Premier League as new challenges emerge for the Udinese centre-back.

Newcastle United are just one of the clubs across Europe previously interested in the 26-year-old, joined by Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

A switch to England never materialised, and until suffering an injury against Lazio, Solet had been a consistent, key figure for the Serie A side.

The defender's thigh injury is certainly nothing to be worried about, and he should return to action far in advance of the January transfer window.

Regaining his spot in the starting lineup might be a much more difficult task, though, which could set the alarm bells off at St James' Park.

While Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw are the first-choice centre-back partnership, Solet would be able to slot straight into the lineup in the North East.

Oumar Solet links to Newcastle United to re-emerge

Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Dan Burn will sign a new contract, albeit in reduced terms, with Fabian Schar in his final contract at St James' Park.

With that in mind, Matthias Jaissle needs more depth in the centre of defence, and Solet could be the perfect solution halfway through the season.

As well as the Frenchman's contract expiring next summer, Udinese have just announced the signing of veteran David Alaba on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old is a perfect back-up and likely the manager's first port of call as a replacement, pushing Solet further down the pecking order.

Solet would slot straight into Newcastle's lineup, so it seems like a no-brainer of a move for the player. The Magpies have to act in January.

Who else could Newcastle sign in January?

Some key injuries have left Newcastle regretting some of their transfer business in the summer, especially Anthony Elanga and Nico Gonzalez.

In the final third, Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli and RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa remain targets at St James' Park, with goals needed.

Defensively, Solet would solve a lot of problems, while the Magpies simply need more depth at full-back due to Tino Livramento's new injury.

Football Insider understands that Newcastle are also battling Barcelona for Bo Hegland of Djurgarden, who has 22 goal contributions in 2026.