Oleksandr Zinchenko has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Newcastle United as the Magpies eye January reinforcements.
A new report from The Northern Echo has offered an update on Newcastle United’s transfer policy in the upcoming January transfer window. After being taken over by the Saudi Arabia-based consortium, the club has been linked with some of the best players in the world. However, it appears they are mainly targeting players who are either entering the final year of their contract or are struggling at their current club.
One of the latest players to emerge as a potential January target for Newcastle United is Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Magpies are aware of the Ukranian utility man’s difficult situation at Manchester City and are eyeing an ambitious move, as they hope to lure him with the promise of regular game-time.
Formerly of the Shakhtar Donetsk youth academy, Zinchenko has been a part of Manchester City since 2016. After being immediately sent out on loan to PSV Eindhoven, the player made his Manchester City breakthrough way back in the 2018/19 campaign.
However, despite being considered as one of the best players hailing from Eastern Europe, Zinchenko has consistently found it difficult to get regular game-time under Pep Guardiola. The Ukrainian international is yet to muster over 1,500 minutes of league football in any of his past four seasons with Manchester City.
Even in the current squad, with Benjamin Mendy out and Angelino no longer at the club, Zinchenko has fallen firmly behind Joao Cancelo in the pecking order. He has featured in only 55 minutes of league football for Manchester City.
Newcastle United are prepared to offer the Manchester City utility man an opportunity to potentially revive his career by moving to Tyneside in the January transfer window. Eddie Howe is particularly keen on snapping him from the Etihad, as the former Bournemouth boss looks to add more quality to his backline.
The Ukrainian’s ability to operate in central midfield could be useful as well, although Newcastle United are already targeting Tottenham Hotspur outcast Harry Winks in January.
However, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City give the green light for Zinchenko to leave the Etihad. The player himself may have second thoughts over a move, especially given the way his club has dominated the Premier League in recent years.
