Newcastle United could now rival reported suitors Aston Villa for Nicolas Tagliafico, as the Toon weigh up raiding Ajax for a January transfer alternative to Everton star Lucas Digne.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report the Magpies have approached the Toffees to enquiry about Digne. But the St James’ Park natives could face competition from West Ham and Chelsea. However, the Frenchman’s £119k-a-week salary may cause the Irons issues.
Chelsea must sign a full-back this month as Ben Chilwell’s season is over following an ACL injury. The blow has left Marcos Alonso as Thomas Tuchel’s only senior option in the role.
But Everton are seeking £30m to sell Digne, which has seen Newcastle consider Ajax star Tagliafico as a cut-price alternative. Yet Chelsea have also eyed the Argentine. He and AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez are under review in case they fail to lure Digne to London.
Aston Villa are also in the Tagliafico transfer race, as Fabrizio Romano claims they enquired into a deal with Ajax. He could also leave Amsterdam in January, but the Villans are yet to open formal talks with his Eredivisie side. While Chelsea have held internal talks for weeks.
Newcastle and Aston Villa should have clear path to transfer for Ajax’s Tagliafico
Ajax kept Tagliafico last summer, but the Daily Mail noted at the time they also told the 29-year-old they would not stand in his way if he got a good offer from a top European league.
Leeds, Manchester City and Inter Milan considered deals, as well, as Ajax set a £13m price tag. He now has 18-months left on his contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and may leave.
The 36-cap international is no longer Erik ten Hag’s first-choice left-back. Tagliafico has only started five of his 11 appearances in all competitions so far this term. He also only featured in their last two Champions League group stage ties, having already secured a last 16 spot.
Additionally, Tagliafico has only offered one assist and scored once, with 31-year-old Daley Blind now Ten Hag’s top-choice. So, Aston Villa or Newcastle should have a clear enough route to a transfer with Ajax if either target Tagliafico.
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