Sources: Newcastle United race to sign ‘out of this world’ midfielder
Newcastle United have faced ongoing frustrations after a difficult start to the Premier League season with multiple key players causing concerns.
Eddie Howe’s side lost 3-1 to Brentford last time out, adding to the concerns about their form as the Magpies dropped to 14th place in the league.
Despite impressive performances in the Champions League, a number of first-team regulars are being questioned for their inconsistency, including the likes of Joelinton.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 10 November that Newcastle could replace Joelinton in January and are assessing their options ahead of the window.
Newcastle have been linked with moves for a number of midfielders including Elliot Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo, but have now set their sights on a new target.
Newcastle United set sights on Atalanta star Ederson
As Newcastle plan to strengthen their midfield options in the new future, they have now set their sights on a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Atalanta are reluctant to let the midfielder leave, but are bracing for offers in 2026 as a result of his contract situation, with just two years remaining on his deal.
Ederson has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the likes of Man City and Liverpool keeping tabs, and Newcastle are the latest to show an interest.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, he’s a top player, Ederson, and he’s been continually linked with a move to the Premier League.
“Man United, Man City, Liverpool have all been credited with interest in Ederson as well.
“He’s a different player to Joelinton, so he wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement. He’s probably more of a defensive midfielder than Joelinton is.
“I’m sure Newcastle are well aware of him. And if they are looking to strengthen in that midfield area, Ederson would fit the criteria for the type of players they’re looking at.
“He’s 26 now, coming into the prime of his career, and has played at the highest level for Atalanta in the Europa League and Champions League in the last couple of years.
“There are less than two years left on his contract, so there will be concern there for Atalanta about whether they can keep hold of him.
“I think Atalanta will be bracing themselves for further interest in Ederson in the next couple of transfer windows.“
Ederson remains very highly rated within the game, as former England boss Fabio Capello labelled him “out of this world” [via X], and he is seen as a key target for Newcastle.
Contract updates first on Newcastle’s priority list
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that sporting director Ross Wilson is accelerating contract talks at Newcastle to get key players tied down to new deals.
This comes as Sandro Tonali signed a new contract, while Newcastle are planning talks with Bruno Guimaraes, as they aim to sure up their midfield options.
Meanwhile, the likes of Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar are all expected to hold talks about renewing their terms over the coming weeks.
The Magpies priority is to tie down their best players, following the drama caused by Alexander Isak’s departure, before they explore the transfer market.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 31 October that Newcastle can spend heavily in January and stay within PSR constraints.
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