Newcastle United have reportedly identified Wolves defender Conor Coady as a potential alternative to top target Diego Carlos.
According to Rudy Galetti, Newcastle United are exploring several defensive options in the remaining days of the transfer window. They are actively looking for a reliable alternative for top target Diego Carlos, with Conor Coady among the players identified as a backup option, should the deal go south.
Newcastle are tipped as the likely destination for Carlos, who is keen on leaving Sevilla in January. However, it appears the Magpies are set to face to last-minute competition from Tottenham Hotspur. It has forced Eddie Howe to set his sights on alternatives, with the former Bournemouth manager reportedly looking at James Tarkowski, Nathan Ake and Conor Coady.
A product of the Liverpool youth academy, Coady is regarded as one of the best defensive leaders in the Premier League. During his ongoing six-and-a-half-year spell at Wolves, the 28-year-old has featured in almost 300 matches, emerging as the main defensive lynchpin for the West Midlands outfit.
His contributions at the back have helped the club thrive in the Premier League, with the defender now captaining the team since their ascension to the English top-flight. But his days at Wolves could be numbered, as Newcastle United look to snap him up in the January transfer window.
After being taken over by the Saudi Arabia-backed consortium, the Tyneside outfit have not been shy in flexing their financial muscle in the market so far. Newcastle have already brought in Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood in January, but there remains a vacancy for a new centre-back who can help further solidify a backline that has conceded 43 goals this term.
Coady fits the bill well, given his vast experience in English football. In addition, the 28-year-old offers excellent leadership qualities, while his no-nonsense defensive mentality could be critical in helping the club stave off relegation during the second half of the campaign.
However, it remains to be seen whether Wolves have any intention of offloading Coady in January. They are already bracing themselves to lose Adama Traore to Tottenham, so the further departure of a star player could cripple their bid to finish in the European places.
Newcastle’s pursuit of the former Liverpool defender, nevertheless, hinges on the Diego Carlos deal, which is likely to go through given the Brazilian’s desire to play in the Premier League. There should be more clarity regarding this transfer saga over the coming days.
