Newcastle United are keen on Zeno Debast, the 20-year-old Anderlecht defender, as Eddie Howe looks to improve his defensive depth in January.
According to Jeunesfooteux, Newcastle United are keen on Belgian defender Zeno Debast and can get him for €13 million in January. The Magpies are keen on adding to their defensive depth ahead of the next window but are also mindful of the costs involved.
Eddie Howe will want solutions from the Newcastle United board to fund moves for essential players in the January window. The Magpies are facing shortages in critical areas that threaten to derail their season, which has already been sub-par.
Newcastle have a severe lack of depth in their backline, evident during their recent cup clash with Manchester United. In that game, Howe fielded six fullbacks in that side, which showed he wanted to rest Fabian Schar and Jamal Lascelles, the only two available centre-backs in the side.
The injury to Sven Botman has severely exposed their deficiencies, which Howe wants to address in the January window. However, some reports have already suggested Newcastle do not have the funds to make a big signing in the window, which could lead them to look at bargain signings.
Reports are linking to Ousmane Diomande, but they may not have the funds to see through a transfer of this magnitude. They are also looking at some bargain options already, with 20-year-old Belgian defender Zeno Debast on their list.
The Anderlecht defender has impressed with his performances in the Belgian league, which has made some top clubs notice. The Centre-back has already established himself as a regular with the side, which attracted Liverpool’s interest a while ago.
Newcastle United are looking at him, particularly when the report suggests Anderlecht are open to selling him for €13 million. In the English market, it’s a snippet for a layer of that quality and future potential. There were other links to another young defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, but he will cost much more than the 20-year-old Belgian defender.
Hence, there’s every chance Newcastle will try to sign Debast in January, although they would still look to reduce the price if they can negotiate their way into the market in January.
