Premier League strugglers Newcastle United have not been put off a potential £35 million deal for Benoit Badiashile despite the Monaco defender’s recent thigh injury, as reported by RMC Sport.
Sir Alex Ferguson once said that a good defence wins you titles. A bad defence, however, often leads to relegation.
Only two teams in the Premier League this season have conceded more than 40 goals so far.
And it is no surprise that both of them, Newcastle United and Norwich City, are stuck in the relegation zone, treading water as leaks spring from all angles.
Fortunately for Newcastle, they at least have the financial muscle to fix perhaps the biggest problem facing new manager Eddie Howe.
Since the turn of the year, the Saudi-backed Magpies have shown an interest in the likes of Diego Carlos, James Tarkowski, Sven Botman, Nico Schlotterbeck and more.
Badiashile is also on their radar.
And, despite being ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury, talks between Newcastle and Monaco are ongoing, even if the Tynesiders are yet to submit an bid for a defender valued in the region of £35 million.
Will Benoit Badiashile leave Monaco for Newcastle United?
RMC Sport do not make clear how much Newcastle are willing to pay for Badiashile.
They do, however, claim that the nouveau-riche Magpies are ready to make a ‘significant’ outlay, one that may see Badiashile replace Joelinton as the club’s record signing.
The France U21 international, dubbed the second-coming of Raphael Varane, is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Not to mention a Wolverhampton Wanderers side ready to cash in on long-serving Willy Boly during the January transfer window.
And, according to FootMercato, Monaco are planning for life without Badiashile.
Philippe Clement, hired to replace Niko Kovac at the Principality club, could reunite with his former Club Brugge stopper Stanley Nsoki if Badiashile departs before February 1.
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