Newcastle United have Jason Denayer in their sights as a January transfer option as Eddie Howe eyes a quality central defender.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United are keen to sign at least one central defender in the January window, with Jason Denayer featuring on their transfer shortlist. The Belgian is in the last year of his deal with Lyon, who could be tempted to cash in next month.
Newcastle find themselves in a tricky situation ahead of the January transfer window with their league position set to dictate the direction of potential signings. The Magpies have lofty ambitions for the future and have the finances to back those dreams. However, their 19th position in the Premier League might become a problem in convincing potential targets to join them in the winter window.
No side have secured safety from the situation Newcastle currently find themselves in. Yet, the Magpies believe a good transfer window could help them push harder to secure their Premier League status. Eddie Howe wants to focus his efforts on shoring up the defensive line with at least one centre-back, and a right-back expected to arrive.
Howe has many names on the shortlist of players considered potential targets. Arsenal loanee Konstantinos Mavropanos is one option who recently is being linked but the Greek defender’s contractual obligations with loan club Stuttgart and the Gunners make the deal complicated.
There are also links to Everton’s Mason Holgate, although the Toffees are unlikely to sell the defender mid-season, barring a crazy offer coming from the Magpies.
Lyon’s Jason Denayer has become the latest player linked with the Magpies, as the Belgian runs down his contract with the French giants. At 26, the centre-back has plenty of experience on his side to help a team such as Newcastle and he would add superior quality to their backline.
Moreover, Lyon might be tempted to cash in on the former Manchester City star if a reasonable offer came in from Newcastle as Denayer could leave on a free transfer next summer. However, he currently remains sidelined with an injury and is only about to return around February, which could hamper a potential move next month.
Real Madrid were also linked with Denayer recently, and there could be many other clubs coming forward in the next weeks for the Belgian. If that happens, it will become extremely difficult for Newcastle to convince the defender to join their battle for relegation over a promise of success elsewhere.
It remains to be seen if the move materialises and how much Lyon might demand in fees. In all, Denayer could be a useful option as his experience and quality will certainly boost the Magpies defence compared to their current options.
