Newcastle United are reportedly closely monitoring the progress of Wout Faes and Nikola Milenkovic at fellow Premier League clubs Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Wout Faes and Nikola Milenkovic are the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are scouring the market for a centre-back ahead of the two transfer windows next year. So, they have monitored the two defenders at Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, with the duo likely to cost a combined €90 million.
Wout Faes and Nikola Milenkovic: Two impressive Premier League centre-backs
Wout Faes has been reasonably solid since joining Leicester City from Stade Reims in September 2022. While the Belgian international could not stop the Foxes from suffering relegation to the EFL Championship in his debut season, he was instrumental in taking the club back to the Premier League last term.
The 26-year-old has been solid thus far this season, chipping in with one goal in seven Premier League appearances. On the other hand, Nikola Milenkovic has taken to the Premier League like a fish to water. The Serb rose in prominence during his spell with Fiorentina before Nottingham Forest came calling in the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay at the back for Nottingham Forest this season, turning out seven times across all competitions thus far. Meanwhile, Milenkovic’s progress at the City Ground has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of a few well-known clubs, including Newcastle United.
Tyneside beckons?
Newcastle United’s interest in Nikola Milenkovic and Wout Faes is understandable. The Tyneside outfit wanted to sign two centre-backs in the summer transfer window but could manage to land only Lloyd Kelly in a Bosman move. However, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are still on the sidelines.
In addition, Lascelles, Fabian Schar, and Dan Burn are on the wrong side of 30. So, Newcastle United should invest in a top-notch centre-back, with several candidates, including Caleb Okoli, emerging on their radar. However, Faes and Milenkovic are also viable targets for Newcastle United. However, the duo will not come cheap.
Faes and Milenkovic will cost a combined €90 million, with Leicester City valuing the former at €40 million, while Nottingham Forest will demand around €50 million to part ways with the Serbian international. However, prising Milenkovic from Nottingham Forest will be a tall order for Newcastle United as the Serb is happy at the Premier League club.
