Keith Downie has told Sky Sports (Thursday, 1.45PM) that Newcastle United do want to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester on deadline day with a £25million fee required – but the Belgian’s wage demands are likely to be an issue.
Tielemans, 25, has entered the final year of his deal at Leicester. That is, after joining the club back in January 2019 – signing a permanent four-year deal in 2019, after an initial loan from Monaco. He has since clocked up 163 outings.
The 52-time Belgian has been linked with numerous clubs throughout the summer. Arsenal and Tottenham have shown interest in the playmaker this summer. Newcastle will have to pay £25million to get Tielemans before the deadline.
Downie says Newcastle are keen and a transfer fee would not be a problem. However, Downie says that Tielemans would be able to name his price in terms of wages if he is a free agent next summer. He is unlikely to sign a new deal.
Downie goes on to say that if Newcastle were to move for Tielemans, then the Toon would have to pay a huge wage to him. Indeed, the Sky Sports reporter claims that Newcastle may have to rip up their current wage structure for him.
“Tielemans is a player that Newcastle have had an interest in for a while. A bid of £25m would land the Belgian, Newcastle are interested. The issue would be wages. He has a year left on his deal,” Downie said.
“If he lets that run, he can pretty much name his price. It would be a big decision for Tielemans to pack up and leave now. Newcastle would have to rip up their wage structure to bring in Tielemans.”
Keith Downie: Youri Tielemans wage demands an issue for Newcastle
Newcastle do need a midfielder. Jonjo Shelvey is sidelined until the World Cup begins. He needs replacing and Tielemans would be a sensational replacement. It will be interesting to see how much Tielemans wants in wages.
Downie is right to say that when he becomes a free agent next summer, he would be able to “name his price”. So, signing him now may prevent that – but it will still take a big wage to get him out of Leicester. The clock is ticking.
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