Pundit issues ‘frightening’ Newcastle verdict after major update on £35m Carlos bid
Alex McLeish has insisted Newcastle United are right not to pay over the odds for players after failing in their efforts to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the threat of relegation means the Magpies need to have a sensible “financial strategy”.
Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves claimed on Tuesday (25 January) Newcastle were set to walk away from talks after Sevilla raised their asking price numerous times.
As quoted by i news on Thursday (27 January), Sevilla sporting director Monchi confirmed negotiations over a potential move for Carlos are over despite a “good offer” from Newcastle.
The Magpies reportedly tabled a £35million bid for the 28-year-old centre-back.
McLeish insisted Newcastle cannot afford to overspend considering their league position.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You can kind of understand the strategy. There will be, in the back of their minds, that they could go down.
“You would think that a couple of quality players can help them escape the relegation zone.
“But if they do go down, then it looks like a financial strategy where they say: ‘We’re down but we’re definitely good enough to come back up.’
“That Championship is frightening and very unpredictable.
“But you would think they would have the quality to come straight back up.
“Then the masterplan would probably take place.”
Newcastle have made just two signings this month in Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.
However, as first revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday (26 January), they are closing in on Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Newcastle United have set sights on English defender after twist.