Newcastle United are ‘ready’ to snap up Japhet Tanganga from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur as Eddie Howe’s side eye a loan-to-buy deal for the defender, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.
AC Milan must be sick of the sight of Newcastle United by now.
Not content with snatching Sven Botman from under the nose of the newly-crowned Serie A champions, the Saudi-backed Tynesiders are now on the charm offensive again as they look to lure another Rossoneri target away from the San Siro.
AC Milan, perhaps inspired by Fikayo Tomori’s terrific impact in Italy since arriving from Chelsea, were hoping to add the versatile Tanganga to Stefano Pioli’s title-winning squad. Brentford and Everton are reportedly keen too, while The Athletic claims that Bournemouth have been in talks.
But Tanganga, a 23-year-old, London-born defender, also ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle. A side prioritising hungry young talent boasting plenty of re-sale value. What’s more, five of their seven signings since Mike Ashley’s long-awaited impact arrived with a proven track record in the Premier League.
And while Tanganga had a tough time last season – an error-strewn performance in the EFL Cup defeat to Chelsea an undoubted lowlight – his potential remains undisputed.
Will Tottenham let Japhet Tanganga join Newcastle United?
According to TMW, Newcastle would jump at the chance to take the England U21 international on loan. They could also include a purchase clause in his contract. It is not certain how much Tottenham will demand for Tanganga. Some reports have suggested he could cost in the region of £20 million.
A hefty fee for a man who struggled for form and confidence in 2021/22. But it’s worth remembering that Tanganga was viewed by many as of the league’s most exciting defenders not long ago. He has stood out in the past against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, both at full-back and centre-half.
“He handled Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish brilliantly,” Gary Neville told Sky Sports after Tanganga’s faultless display in the 1-0 opening day victory over Manchester City a year ago.
“I couldn’t have done that on my own 20 years ago – and I was a good full-back! But what that kid did out there today was really special from a one-on-one defending point of view.”
Tanganga’s ability to play out wide or in the middle will give Howe plenty of options in defence. Did we mention he can also thrive in a back three or a back four?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
