Newcastle have entered Tanganga race: Shearer said he is magnificent

Newcastle have reportedly entered the race to sign Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga this summer, with other clubs including AC Milan keen – a player that Alan Shearer branded “magnificent” after marshaling Jack Grealish.

Tanganga, 23, is likely to be looking for a move after falling down the pecking order at Tottenham. While injury had an impact, the England Under-21 man only played 19 times for Spurs last term. He only has 43 senior games to his name.

Cristian Romero is first choice in his best position, on the right of Antonio Conte’s back three. Djed Spence is incoming, while Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal are also options as a wing-back. Eric Dier is best in the middle.

Milan are also showing interest with Spurs open to such an exit – but TMW claim Newcastle want a loan-to-buy deal. Tanganga has just featured in Tottenham’s 6-3 win over a K-League XI in South Korea, coming off the bench.

Speaking about Tanganga after the opening day of the 2021-22 season, in which Spurs beat Manchester City 1-0, Shearer was full of praise. He said the defender was “magnificent” and dominated both Grealish and Raheem Sterling.

The title of Shearer’s TOTW on the Premier League site is “Shearer: Tanganga dominated Grealish and Sterling.” He then goes into depth: “He had the tough task of facing Grealish and Sterling and dealt with them both. Magnificent.”