Newcastle United have reportedly placed Wolves captain and England star Conor Coady on their January transfer wishlist as they prepare for a Premier League survival bid.
According to The Sun, Conor Coady has emerged as a priority target for Newcastle United ahead of the January transfer window. The North-East side want to add at least two senior central defenders this January to bolster their ranks as they look to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Coady is a big favourite of Amanda Staveley’s top football advisor Frank McParland, who is about to take on a prominent recruitment position at the club. McParland has already worked with the 28-year-old as he rose through the ranks at Liverpool, assisting him on his journey to the top for club and country.
The Magpies are still laying the groundwork for the future after their takeover making them the richest club in world football. Without a doubt, their first concern will be to hire a manager who can propel them on the Premier League ladder. However, with the January transfer window not far away and Newcastle’s squad lacking in quality across the board, the new owners will want to strengthen in order to avoid a relegation battle.
The report adds that Wolves would not want to lose their influential skipper, and it would take a substantial transfer fee of around £20 million or more to convince Wolves to deal with their potential rivals. The fact that Coady is under contract until 2025 strengthens the Midlands club’s stance. Newcastle, meanwhile, would be willing to pay a high price if the player is deemed to be excellent value for money.
Coady arrived at Molineux back in 2015 for a nominal fee and has since established himself as one of the regular fixtures at the heart of Wolves’ backline. His impressive displays earned him an England call-up for Euro 2020, and although he didn’t make any starts, his inclusion in itself reflects his progress over the years.
Newcastle’s current defensive roster consists of veteran defenders with decent Premier League experience, but all are well into their thirties and lack the aggression and the ability to play out from the back. The Magpies backline have shipped in 20 goals from 9 league games – the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League this season with only basement boys Norwich conceding more than them.
Coady would be exactly the type of defender Newcastle could start their project to build a superstar team around with his leadership traits and his ball-playing skills providing a solid foundation from the back. His passing ability and composure on the ball could work well alongside Newcastle skipper Jamal Lascelles, who boasts a more robust and aerially dominant presence.
The Tyneside-outfit have also been heavily linked with Burnley stalwart James Tarkowski, whose contract is set to expire next summer and could join the Toons on a free. He’s another player to have worker under McParland at both Brentford and Turf Moor. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies could secure the moves of these Premier League proven defenders, but any of them would be a significant upgrade over their existing options.
