Sources: Newcastle in race to sign Joel Ordonez
Newcastle are set to push Liverpool and Aston Villa for the signature of Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge despite a January move looking unlikely.
The Ecuador international has previously received Premier League interest and now has a trifecta of top clubs going after him.
Sources told Football Insider in March that Everton were lining up a bid for Ordonez, yet a deal never materialised between the two parties.
However, the 21-year-old has now received interest from the top half of the Premier League table.
Ordonez’s long-term contract until 2029 to dissuade Newcastle from splashing the cash
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Eddie Howe is in the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
Over the summer, Newcastle brought in Malick Thiaw from AC Milan to add to their backline, especially given the increase in fixtures due to their participation in the Champions League.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the unlikelihood of a deal for Ordonez, I explained: “Ordonez is a player who is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
“Liverpool, obviously we know about their defensive issues. He’s been linked to Aston Villa who are also admirers of him and Newcastle as well have been keeping tabs on the Ecuador international’s situation.
“He’s done very well for Club Brugge, playing in the Champions League, playing at the highest level and has been outstanding for Ecuador in their successful qualification to the World Cup.
“There was obviously speculation around his future in the summer, but Brugge managed to keep hold of him and tied him down to a new contract in September that runs until 2029.
“I think that was done to try and protect his value amid the growing interest in his services. I don’t see a deal happening in January.”
Eddie Howe eyeing up attacking reinforcements as well as defensive additions in form of Samu Aghehowa
In their bid to return to the consistent level of qualifying for the Champions League every season moving forward, the former Bournemouth manager wants new players coming in to cover all positions in the team.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are monitoring the progress of Samu Aghehowa as he continues to excel in Portugal.
The Magpies will have to be patient to bring him in with Aghehowa being very happy at Porto as he eyes up a place in the Spain international squad.
The Toon will need to be patient in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, although will be hoping Yoane Wissa can hit the ground running once he returns from injury.