Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that while he has “heard” Newcastle are interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai, the Sky Sports reporter states that the Hungarian is not first choice on Tyneside.
Talks are ongoing to sign Sevilla’s Brazilian defender Diego Carlos this month, with a week left in the January window. However, contrasting reports either suggest Sevilla will not sell – while Carlos wants to move.
Newcastle are likely to be in the market for more than one central defender – and Szalai has been linked. Sky Sports initially reported last week that West Ham and Newcastle have shown interest in the 24-year-old.
A fee of £17million is expected, for a player who has already clocked up 51 appearances in all competitions for Fenerbahce in the space of 12 months. Downie shares what he has heard about a Newcastle move for Szalai.
“So, I think he probably is an option, from what I’ve heard, but I don’t think he is option number one. So, it might be one to keep an eye on later on in the window,” Downie told Give Me Sport over the weekend.
Downie on Szalai: Newcastle should really consider Euro 2020 starlet
At Euro 2020, the defender was superb for Hungary. He showed the fight, the passion, the grit that is required in the midst of a relegation scrap. Newcastle helped themselves on Saturday, with a 1-0 win over Leeds.
But they remain in the thick of it and the club need players that are going to help drag them to safety. Szalai has the necessary traits and at £17million, given his age, he would be a superb signing for the Toon.
Indeed, he is already an improvement on what Eddie Howe has on offer – even despite Saturday’s clean sheet. Szalai improves Newcastle and for just £17million, it is a no brainer. TransferMarkt say he has the same agent as Joelinton.
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