Newcastle United’s search for a new centre back could see them reunite boss Eddie Howe with Bournemouth’s Steve Cook in January.
Newcastle chasing Cook ahead of January
The Sun claim that Howe wants to sign Cook in January as he seeks to add a defensive leader to his Newcastle side.
Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee are the prime targets, but the Clarets don’t want to sell.
That means Newcastle need to look elsewhere for a new central defender, and Cook is seen as a realistic option.
Cook has history with Howe
Cook was in the ranks at Brighton and Hove Albion before heading to Bournemouth in 2011.
Howe ended up coaching Cook for more than seven years, with the defender making over 300 appearances under the now-Newcastle boss.
It’s clear that Howe rates Cook highly, even branding him ‘absolutely outstanding’ in 2017.
Now 30, Cook is out of contract at the end of the season and could be a cut-price addition for Newcastle.
A strong leader and proven Premier League player, Cook could be solid if unspectacular for Newcastle.
Newcastle fans react on Twitter
Newcastle fans had dreams of big signings after their takeover. Cook doesn’t quite fit that bill.
Some suggested on Twitter that they are expecting better quality players than Cook.
Others think this rumour must be a joke, claiming he would be a signing from the Mike Ashley era.
The general feeling is that Newcastle need better than Cook – even if Howe is a big fan.’W
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