Newcastle have joined Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United in the race to sign Dan-Axel Zagadou but, according to Fussball Transfers, the Borussia Dortmund defender could snub a Premier League switch.
Just because Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners could burn more money than KLF and barely feel a whiff of remorse, that does not mean they should.
Despite a rumoured fortune of £500 billion, the Public Investment Fund are not going to simply throw money at Newcastle’s myriad of problems in the hope of spending their way to success.
Instead, they are planning to invest carefully and sensibly, looking to the long-term even if avoiding relegation remains the immediate aim.
It is understood that Newcastle are favouring a Leipzig-style model. Red Bull gives you wings, after all.
Now, Newcastle have already committed themselves to paying £12 million for Kieran Trippier this month (Sky Sports).
According to The Telegraph, the newly-moneyed Magpies are growing increasingly confident of tying up a potential £30 million deal for Everton outcast Lucas Digne too.
If the rumours are true and Eddie Howe has just £50 million to spend this month, that leaves £8 million left in his January budget.
Fortunately, Zagadou’s contract expires at the end of this season and, while Dortmund are making progress on an extension, nothing has been agreed just yet.
Could Newcastle beat Man United to Zagadou?
Fussball Transfers claim that Manchester United have approached Zagadou’s agent regarding a potential switch to Old Trafford.
Rangnick’s RB Leipzig side were interested back in 2017 too, before a teenage Zagadou opted to join Bundesliga rivals Dortmund from Paris Saint-Germain instead.
Left-footed centre-halves are like hens’ teeth in modern football so Zagadou’s ‘southpaw’ ways have understandably made him a man in high demand, despite a worrying injury record.
Newcastle are also interested in Nathan Ake and Lloyd Kelly, both of whom played under Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, but Zagadou’s contract situation could make him a more attainable, affordable option.
“I would very much welcome it if Daxo decides to stay on at Borussia Dortmund,” BVB coach Marco Rose said in December.
“He is a young, excellent central defender with very good ability. He is physically strong, has a lot of speed, has a good left foot. First and foremost, I hope that he stays fit.
“I see him as a very important part of our team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
