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Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is a target for Inter Milan as they look to replace Milan Skriniar, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Inter’s conundrum

Inter could be set for a hectic end to the January transfer window with centre-back Skriniar penning a pre-contract deal with Paris Saint Germain, however, the two clubs are in talks to make his switch imminent.

If that deal were to happen this month, then the Nerazzurri could be keen to add a centre-back as his replacement with the 27-year-old featuring in all but one of Inter’s games this season, only missing the latest outing against Cremonese with suspension.

This has led them to the door of Lindelof but with United so far failing to be big players in the window with Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland on loans the only first-team business concluded by the Premier League side a deal may not be easy.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed the interest in the Sweden international but admitted a deal may be tough with United not keen on losing the centre-back, he said:

(2:25) “We have to mention Manchester United because they have received one new proposal and it’s from Inter because Inter are preparing some potential options in case Skriniar will go to PSG immediately.”

“Victor Lindelof is one of the players they have in the list, Atletico Madrid asked for Lindelof earlier in January, Manchester United said no, Inter are now trying for Lindelof too.

“Inter want Lindelof, Manchester United and especially Erik ten Hag want to keep the player so let’s see how this conversation will go but it’s not easy for Inter because Ten Hag wants to keep the player.”

The Verdict: Tough deal to make

With how United have dealt in the transfer window so far, it would be surprising to see Ten Hag approve a transfer that sees a squad player leave ahead of a busy period for the club.

The 28-year-old has found himself way down the pecking order at Old Trafford with only 14 appearances coming all season, just six of those in the league.

But with United’s frantic schedule of eight games to come in 26 days, Ten Hag isn’t in the position to be surrendering squad depth with the Red Devils still competing in all four competitions.

Harry Maguire was also blocked from leaving the club this month following interest from Aston Villa with the Dutchman keen to maintain defensive cover, the same approach will likely be taken with the interest in Lindelof.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has only just had his squad bolstered by the signings of Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro, although the serial-winning coach and Fabio Paratici may well already have one eye on the summer window and the prospect of further new recruits at N17.

Whether or not the Italian does remain at the helm – amid doubts over his future beyond the end of the season – the north Londoners would seemingly be wise to take the advice of former striker Louis Saha, with the now-retired Frenchman having tipped the club to make a move for Newcastle United speedster, Allan Saint-Maximin.

Having been discussing the 25-year-old’s future at St James’ Park, Saha suggested that Spurs – or bitter rivals Arsenal – could be an ideal destination for the fleet-footed maverick:

“It’s unbelievable because last season Saint-Maximin was unreal and nobody would have been thinking about the prospect of Newcastle United selling him. He’s been unlucky this season with injuries, but he’s a top player and he could potentially find a move to one of the ‘big six’ clubs. I could see Arsenal or Tottenham having a player of Saint-Maximin’s quality and style.”

Reports during the summer had claimed that Tottenham – as well as Chelsea – had made an enquiry regarding the prospect of prising the former Nice man from Tyneside, amid suggestions that the Magpies were open to a £50m exit for the winger.

The £70k-per-week maestro has since endured a rather frustrating, injury-hit campaign in which he has failed to secure a regular role in Eddie Howe’s side, having scored just once and provided three assists after making only five starts in all competitions.

With reports linking the player with a move away during January, it remains to be seen what the one-time Monaco man’s long-term future is at his current side, opening up the possibility for Conte and co to pounce come the end of the season.

Despite his recent struggles, Saint-Maximin is a figure who is simply “unplayable” on his day, according to ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard, with the frightening, “wing wizard” – as lauded by journalist Graeme Bailey – notably ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed among his European peers.

The hope will be that if he is to make the move to the capital in the near future, the 5 foot 8 ace can emulate the success of another Frenchman to have traded Newcastle for Spurs in the form of David Ginola.

The one-time Paris Saint-Germain ace arrived in north London from the northeast side back in 1997, going on to quickly cement himself as something of a talisman for the Lilywhites in the years that followed, having been ‘pure box office’ due to his ‘movie star looks and style both on and off the pitch’, as per the club’s official website.

Like Saint-Maximin, the now-retired gem was a truly devastating threat down the flanks when in his pomp, with Manchester United legend Gary Neville previously admitting that he was left “nervous” at the prospect of facing up against the forward, such was Ginola’s technical and physical brilliance.

Those traits were laid bare by the fact that even in the year in which the Red Devils claimed the treble during the 1998/99 season, it was Ginola who swooped the PFA Player of the Year award in that campaign, having also guided Spurs to League Cup glory that season.

A figure etched into Tottenham folklore, the 56-year-old would seemingly be a hard act to follow for Saint-Maximin, although the latter man appears to have the confidence and the quality to emerge as the club’s next, talismanic presence.

Newcastle United slipped to their tenth draw of the season at home to West Ham United on Saturday evening, with Lucas Paqueta’s second-half effort cancelling out Callum Wilson’s early strike to secure a hard-earned point for the visitors.

Amid the euphoria of sealing a place at Wembley earlier this week in the Carabao Cup, Magpies boss Eddie Howe may well be concerned that his side have now been held to a stalemate in four of their last five Premier League games, albeit with their place in the top-four still somewhat secure.

The Tynesiders had initially appeared on course for victory amid what was a frantic start to proceedings at St James’ Park, with the aforementioned Wilson netting inside three minutes with a clinical left-footed finish, after Joe Willock had seen an earlier effort ruled out by VAR.

That composed strike was the Englishman’s tenth goal against the Hammers in his career to date – and his first goal in the league since returning from World Cup duty – although the 30-year-old was unable to add to that tally as the game progressed, having seen his involvement limited from then.

The former Bournemouth hotshot made just 20 touches in total on the night – fewer than teammate Nick Pope (22) in the sticks – while he was also rather ineffective physically up against the away side’s backline, having failed to win any of his eight duels.

In truth, it was teammate Dan Burn who arguably proved superior for Howe’s side against the Hammers, with the 6 foot 7 colossus having been a typically rock-solid presence at left-back up against Jarrod Bowen.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion man hardly put a foot wrong, albeit while having lost possession on 21 occasions, after notably racking up seven clearances in total against David Moyes’ men,

Unlike Wilson, the 30-year-old also proved himself something of a physical monster after remarkably winning ten of his 13 duels, including eight of his 11 aerial duels to help keep the east London outfit at bay, while also laying on one key pass from his 90 touches as a marker of his attacking quality.

That dominant display ensured that the Blyth-born sensation recorded a solid 7.3 match rating, as per Sofascore, with that having been far higher than that man Wilson, who received just a 6.7 match rating despite getting himself on the scoresheet.

As such, just over a year on from his return to the northeast, Burn once again proved himself something of a hero for the high-flying outfit.

Newcastle United make the long trip to the south coast this evening for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth and Eddie Howe will surely be hoping that his team can continue their phenomenal form so far away from home.

The Magpies are currently fourth in the table, and taking all three points today will be important to their chances of retaining their Champions League qualifying place inside the top four, with Tottenham Hotspur just one point behind them in fifth and potentially moving ahead of the Magpies by the time things gets underway at the Vitality Stadium.

Howe has been given a huge boost ahead of this game as Alexander Isak is fit and available to play after suffering a concussion against Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final tie at the end of last month.

The Newcastle manager claimed of the Swedish striker in his pre-match press conference: “He will be in the squad. He’s fully recovered with no problems. Initially, he got hit on the head and he didn’t feel too bad but we had to follow protocols. He’s been good this week.”

As a result, it could be an opportunity for Howe to boldly ditch Callum Wilson and give Isak the chance to prove his worth in the starting XI against the Cherries later today.

Will Callum Wilson start against Bournemouth?

Indeed, the Newcastle stalwart found the net inside the first three minutes of the 1-1 draw against West Ham United last weekend, but his inconsistent form since returning from England duties at the World Cup is something that Howe should not ignore when he has an explosive and energetic striker like Isak available.

Wilson had Sky Sports punditry duo Shay Given and Jamie Redknapp purring last week as they labelled him “brilliant” and “quality” respectively. However, prior to that match he hadn’t scored since October and ultimately wasn’t able to kill the game, with two shots on target and only 20 touches during his 90-minute performance as Newcastle’s stuttered to a tenth league draw of the season.

Despite making only three starts in the Premier League this term during an injury-hit campaign, Isak has scored three goals and has made good use of his time on the pitch by averaging 1.6 shots on target, one key pass and 2.8 successful duels per game, tallying just 57 minutes per appearance.

The Swedish striker could be the breath of fresh air that Newcastle need, if indeed he is ready to start against Bournemouth, as a return to winning ways could be required to ensure that Spurs can’t knock them out of the top four by the time tonight’s action is concluded. To that effect, Wilson may be the fall guy despite his goalscoring display last week.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Toney

It was reported earlier this season that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici was eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window, but Spurs instead chose to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Right-back Pedro Porro was brought in on a £5m loan deal with a £39m obligation to buy, while winger Arnaut Danjuma arrived on loan, with Antonio Conte choosing to wait until the summer before signing an out-and-out striker.

The Latest: Spurs keeping close tabs on Toney

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Toney, who is currently holding talks with Brentford about a new contract.

The implication is that if these discussions do not go to plan, Spurs could swoop in for the 26-year-old, considering Richarlison and Heung-min Son are said to be struggling for form, with the duo managing only 10 goals in 48 appearances combined this season.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Tottenham have Harry Kane at their disposal, who recently broke Jimmy Greaves’ record as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, it may be difficult to attract Toney, as he knows that he will almost certainly be playing second fiddle to the England captain in N17.

That said, if they are able to tempt the ‘sensational’ 26-year-old (as dubbed by presenter Ste Howson) into a move to north London, he would be a fantastic signing. That much is indicated by his superb scoring record in the Premier League this season, netting 13 times in 19 outings and also weighing in with three assists.

His prolific goal return for Brentford – 61 goals in 110 appearances – begs the question as to just how prolific he could be in a team of Tottenham’s calibre, and Paratici should continue to monitor the progress of contract talks at the Gtech Community Stadium over the coming weeks.

Chelsea’s fondness for extravagant transfer fees, especially during the January transfer window, has seen them create a squad which, on paper, could be one of the most talented in the Premier League.

On the pitch, however, it is a totally different story. Of course, it takes time for players to gel into a new team and environment, and with the Blues securing eight new signings last month, it might take longer than most, but their form under Graham Potter has been poor.

The Blues have won just once in the league this year, and although he will be aiming to be at the club for the long haul, the 47-year-old will need to inspire an improvement from his players – and fast.

If he does make it to the summer with his job intact, Potter must then turn to the club’s academy for future talent instead of splashing the cash in the transfer market. With Conor Gallagher emerging from the youth system to become a member of the first-team squad, it’s evident there is more than enough potential to satisfy the Chelsea manager.

How much is Conor Gallagher worth now?

Under Frank Lampard, Mason Mount was given his chance in the first-team due to the transfer embargo which was placed on Chelsea at the time, and his success will have given many youngsters confidence that they could replicate it, Gallagher included.

Having impressed in the club’s youth academy, registering 30 goal contributions across 92 matches for the U21s and U18s, he gained some much-needed senior experience on loan at Charlton, Swansea, and West Bromwich Albion in the years which followed.

However, it wasn’t until he joined Crystal Palace on loan for the 2021/22 season that he really broke through into the public eye on the biggest stage of them all.

The 23-year-old played 39 times for the Eagles across all competitions, scoring eight goals and recording five assists, which from a central midfield role was even more impressive.

His league displays were of particular interest, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.08/10 while creating five big chances and averaging 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, with his attacking abilities made him stand out for the south Londoners.

The 5 foot 11 gem was lauded by journalist and analytics expert Patrick Rowe, who described the midfielder’s best traits to be his “relentless work rate” and “threat in the final third”, which suggests that he can be of great use to Potter.

Indeed, Gallagher has featured 20 times for Chelsea in the league this season, and although his scoring rate has dropped (netting just once), he has still managed to create five big chances and make 0.8 key passes per game.

With his continued improvement comes greater responsibility in this Chelsea team. According to Football Transfers, his market value is now €44m (£39m), and this should only rise as time goes on.

Chelsea have struck gold on Gallagher, and if he somehow falls out of favour at the club, then Potter could make a lavish profit on the midfielder, who came up from the Blues’ academy and therefore didn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees.

Tottenham Hotspur could seal a defensive upgrade this summer transfer window if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the latest on Spurs’ interest in Fikayo Tomori?

Earlier this month, Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb.it revealed the north Londoners’ interest in AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, who appears to be a target for sporting director Fabio Paratici, regardless of whether Antonio Conte remains in the dugout or not.

It’s thought that Spurs could put forward an attractive swap deal involving right wing-back Emerson Royal in a bid to land the Englishman’s signature, though they would have to offer a sizeable fee alongside that too.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much the defending Serie A champions would command for their title-winning colossus, the former Chelsea graduate is currently valued at €40.1m (£35m) by FootballTransfers.

Is Tomori better than Eric Dier?

Perhaps uncharacteristically, Conte’s side are among the poorest teams defensively in the Premier League right now, with no other side in the top ten conceding more goals than Spurs.

For further context, fifth-placed Newcastle United have leaked 20 fewer goals, whilst both Fulham and Brentford have shut out the opposition more times this season.

Much of the Italian’s success as a manager has been built on solid defensive foundations, with both his Chelsea and Inter Milan title-winning sides renowned for their stubborn prowess at the back, but in north London, it’s been a completely different story.

His back three, and goalkeeper, have struggled for consistency and Tomori could be a sizeable upgrade to the underperforming unit.

During Milan’s run to the title last season, the England star was among Stefano Pioli’s top-five best-performing players and only goalkeeper Mike Maignan registered more minutes on the pitch, via WhoScored. He led the squad for tackles and interceptions, and was a solid ball-player too.

In fact, Tomori still ranks within the top 6% of his positional peers across Europe’s elite divisions for tackles per 90, via FBref, who have also likened his statistical profile to that of current Lilywhites colossus, Cristian Romero – he’s probably been the best of a bad bunch at Hotspur Way.

Whilst the Italian giants have struggled to replicate their form from last season, Tomori has still been a standout and subsequently, his form suggests that he could well be a mighty upgrade on Eric Dier.

He was recently described as being “nowhere near the required level” by journalist Ryan Taylor and it’s easy to see why, with Spurs struggling defensively and the England international playing the third-most minutes in the Premier League this campaign.

In terms of defensive attributes, Tomori leads Dier for key metrics such as tackles (2.59 vs 0.94), tackle success rate (64.7% vs 58.3%) and blocks (1.41 vs 1.12) per 90, whilst also losing fewer aerial duels (1.24 vs 1.43) per 90 too, via FBref.

It’s a similar case on the ball as well, with the Milan gem providing more progressive carries (0.92 vs 0.27) and progressive passes (3.73 vs 3.14) per 90, meaning he’s looking to advance the play forward rather than play the safer, sideways or backwards ball.

On that evidence alone, Tomori – who was once dubbed as a “huge talent” – would be a considerable upgrade to Conte’s backline, with Dier surely most at risk of losing his place with such an arrival.

Paratici, therefore, must look to bring the 25-year-old back to his home country this summer.

AND in other news, Paratici blundered on “extraordinary” 47 y/o, his team scores more than Conte’s Spurs…

For all the euphoria of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle United on Sunday, one man who may well be somewhat disappointed with his own display is Diogo Dalot, with the Portugal right-back having endured a torrid time up against Allan Saint-Maximin.

The 23-year-old was notably beaten by the skill of the fleet-footed Frenchman early in the first half, only to see his blushes spared by team-mate David De Gea between the sticks, having also received a booking for hauling down the dynamic winger amid the chance of a Magpies breakaway.

That rather drab Wembley performance – which led to the full-back being hooked at half-time – saw the former Porto man win just two of his six duels and be dribbled past on two occasions, having recorded a measly 6.3 Sofascore rating.

His replacement Aaron Wan-Bissaka proved far more influential after the break, winning seven tackles – the most of any player on the day – to continue his impressive resurgence, with the latter arguably now the “first choice” pick for Erik ten Hag (according to Daily Express journalist Alex Turk) due to his defensive prowess.

As such, if United are to look for a new recruit at right-back this summer, then it would be no surprise if it is Dalot who makes way. The £25k-per-week gem has hardly pulling up any trees going forward, with only one goal and three assists to his name from 28 appearances in all competitions this season.

Although it may be somewhat ruthless to replace the ten-cap dynamo, Ten Hag could have identified a potential dream replacement in the former of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, according to recent reports.

What’s the latest on Frimpong to Man United?

As per Football Insider, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be ‘plotting a move’ for the former Celtic defender ahead of next season, with the 22-year-old believed to have earned ‘rave reviews’ from Red Devils scouts of late.

The report suggests that the Netherlands international – who arrived in Germany on an £11.5m deal in January 2021 – could be available for a fee of around £35m this summer, despite the Bundesliga club valuing him at as much as £50m.

Could Frimpong replace Dalot at Man United?

In contrast to Dalot, the one-time Manchester City youth product has proven far more of a threat going forward this season, having already contributed five goals and seven assists in 30 games across all fronts, making his mark in either a wing-back or full-back role of late.

That has ensured that the Amsterdam native already boasts a haul of 23 goal involvements from 77 games for his current club to date, after previously offering 11 goals and assists in 51 appearances during his time at Parkhead.

The “dangerous” machine – as previously lauded by former Riga boss Mihails Koņevs – has further illustrated that attacking brilliance as he ranks in the top 1% among those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty area, showcasing a real willingness to impact proceedings in the final third.

That is a far superior record to Dalot’s, with the current United defender ranking in just the top 44% for progressive carries, the top 34% for successful take-ons, and the top 36% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

That should indicate that Ten Hag could possibly find the long-term solution that he will no doubt be craving this summer in the form of Frimpong, with the 5 foot 7 speedster currently tearing it up at the BayArena.

In the last 10 years, Newcastle United have had mixed luck with attacking players, with no large number of standouts. In truth, for the most part, it’s been a decade to forget for The Magpies, who will be hoping to see their fortunes change in a new era under new, and far richer owners. 

The main aim under Eddie Howe this summer should be finding a consistent talisman at St James’ Park. If they can find that, then they will be far closer to reaching their new and far more lofty ambitions at the club.

In the last 10 years, they have still had standouts, of course, as we found out when taking a look at those with the most contributions in every season since 2012.

2012/13: Papiss Cisse – 17 

Papiss Cisse is a player that many are unlikely to forget anytime soon, given his sudden rise at Newcastle.

In the 2012/13 season, he was unstoppable together with strike partner Demba Ba.

By the end of the season, he had scored 13 goals and recorded a further four assists in all competitions for the Magpies to take his contributions to 17. 

2013/14: Loic Remy – 17 

When looking back on it, Newcastle were unlucky to be in a position to only enjoy players like Demba Ba and Loic Remy for a short period of time before they jumped ship to bigger and better things.

In the 2013/14 campaign, Remy managed to score an impressive 14 goals, whilst also assisting a further three to make 17 contributions.

It’s also fair to say that it was never better for Remy, who went on to flop at Chelsea.

He’s still playing, at French club Brest.

2014/15: Papiss Cisse – 12 

A season later, Cisse was back at the top of Newcastle’s top contributions list, with 12 to his name.

His 11 goals and one assist was enough to place him above his teammates.

Though, it must be said that the numbers weren’t all too impressive on the whole in a disappointing season for Newcastle’s forwards.

2015/16: Georginio Wijnaldum – 16 

It’s no surprise that Georginio Wijnaldum earned a move to Liverpool, where he went onto become a serial winner.

But it was in the 2015/16 season when the Dutchman stood out at St James’ Park, with 11 goals and five assists making 16 contributions.

Who could forget his four goals in one game against Norwich City?

He’s left a major hole at Liverpool, too, having left the club for PSG.

2016/17: Dwight Gayle – 27

As Newcastle bounced back from the heartache of relegation at the first time of asking, it was Dwight Gayle who played a starring role, scoring 23 goals and recording a further three assists to make 27 contributions in total.

It remains one of Gayle’s most impressive campaigns in his career so far.

However, he struggled immensely to replicate that form in the Premier League; he’s currently on the books at Stoke City, having dropped back into the second-tier.

2017/18: Ayoze Perez – 14 

Ayoze Perez’s time at Newcastle remains underrated, given the period of time that he featured for the Magpies, and the consistent numbers that he achieved.

During the 2017/18 season, the Spaniard managed a total of 14 goal contributions, with 10 goals and four assists in what was an impressive campaign. 

He moved onto Leicester City eventually and is now playing for Spanish club Real Betis on loan.

2018/19: Salomon Rondon – 19 

Just like Perez, Salomon Rondon endured an underrated spell with Newcastle, where he managed 19 goal contributions in the 2018/19 season as the Magpies survived for another season in the Premier League.

By the end of the season, he had scored 12 goals, whilst also assisting a further seven goals in all competitions. 

It’s worth saying here, too, that this was a particularly poor Magpies side, and Rondon was dragging them kicking and screaming along.

A sorely underrated striker.

2019/20: Allan Saint-Maximin – 11

In a season without many sparks, Allan Saint-Maximin at least provided one positive light, with 11 goal contributions.

In truth, though, his numbers weren’t the most impressive aspect of his game, with his tricky footwork and showman-like style really standing out at St James’ Park and making him an instant fan favourite amongst Newcastle fans.

He’s continuing to stand out, even under the management of Eddie Howe.

A terrific player and a real entertainer.

2020/21: Callum Wilson – 17 

As the Premier League battled through the pandemic, it was Callum Wilson who took the crown for goal contributions for Newcastle, with 17 in all competitions.

His 12 goals and five assists were enough to keep the Tyneside club up for another season, before they finally entered a new era under new owners

That he’s remained at the club, and the Magpies haven’t spent big on a striker to replace him, speaks to just how good Wilson is.

2021/22: Allan Saint-Maximin – 10

As Newcastle comfortably survived last season, Allan Saint-Maximin once again starred, especially in the second half of the campaign under new owners, with new arrivals, and new manager in the form of Eddie Howe.

By the end of the season, the winger had scored five goals, and assisted a further five to make 10 goal contributions. 

He remains an absolutely integral part of the squad at St James’ Park and will continue to as the Magpies go for Champions League qualification.

So, as you can see, with no player managing over 20 goal contributions in one Premier League season, Newcastle United have struggled to find a consistent talisman – something that would not have helped their constant mid-table finishes in the last decade.

In a new era, the Magpies, as one of the richest clubs in the world, have the resources to find a player capable of taking the club to new levels. They’ve already improved since the takeover. Now, heading into their first full season, the owners will be keen to oversee a club on a gradual, but impressive rise. 

Newcastle United have reportedly made an inquiry over the possibility of signing Robin Koch from Leeds United this summer.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

In what has proven to be a difficult season for Leeds so far, with the sacking of Jesse Marsch coupled up with them being just outside of the relegation zone in the Premier League, Koch has been one of their standout performers.

No other player in the Leeds side is averaging more clearances per game in the division than he is, while he also ranks highly among his team-mates for a number of other metrics (WhoScored).

The Latest: Newcastle inquiry

As per German news outlet Sport1, Newcastle ‘above all’ are ‘interested’ in signing Koch this summer, but he has also received ‘inquiries’ from the Bundesliga.

His contract at Elland Road is up in 2024, putting Leeds under pressure to cash in at the risk of him leaving as a free agent at the end of next season.

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The Verdict: Shrewd addition

Koch would certainly be a shrewd addition at St. James’ Park, given that he already boasts plenty of Premier League experience.

The six-foot-three colossus is also capable of playing in a number of defensive and even midfield positions, and so his extra versatility would be very useful in the squad.

At 26 years of age, the Magpies would be signing a player about to enter his prime, and so this seems like a smart deal to do if Eddie Howe really fancies the player.