Eddie Howe is unconvinced to advance Newcastle United’s interest in Tanguy Ndombele, despite being offered the chance to sign the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder this summer.
Eddie Howe unconvinced to advance Newcastle interest in Tanguy Ndombele
According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle United have now been offered the chance to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham Hotspur. Antonio Conte is eager to offload the 25-year-old before the sales slam shut, with the Frenchman now firmly frozen out of his plans.
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Spurs have ‘banished’ Ndombele from first-team training sessions at Hotspur Way whilst the north Londoners seek out potential suitors. He is currently working alone to maintain fitness in anticipation of his transfer, although no team has yet submitted an official offer.
Ndombele was Tottenham’s club-record signing at the time of his £54m arrival from Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2019. The deal could also rise to £63m with add-ons, but the seven-cap star has struggled to justify his price tag across 91 outings since arriving in the Premier League.
Conte also sent Ndombele back to Lyon for the latter half of last season on loan after only seven appearances under the Italian. The central midfielder would appear 15 times for Les Gones across all competitions, but started in just 11 while netting one goal and two assists.
Tottenham Hotspur outcast has interest at St James’ despite Eddie Howe doubts
Ndombele has attracted tentative interest from Newcastle this summer, as Magpies chiefs monitor developments at Tottenham. Media Foot have cited the Toon as the frontrunners for a deal with Spurs, too, who hope to offload his £200k-a-week contract that runs until 2025.
But Howe is currently unlikely to come to Conte’s aid as the St James’ Park boss is, right now, unconvinced. The Newcastle head coach is unsure if Ndombele would be the right fit for his engine room alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
Newcastle are set to be short of a central body, likely until after the World Cup, with Jonjo Shelvey injured. The midfielder is facing a 12-week lay-off after he required surgery on his hamstring. A big blow for the former England ace after he hit pre-season in top condition.
Ndombele – who Jose Mourinho called ‘magnificent’ whilst in charge of Tottenham – could bolster Newcastle’s ranks if Howe advances any interest the Magpies have. The Toon may also have free reign to sign the Frenchman as the Spurs outcast has been offered to them.
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