Newcastle United spent real time in January chasing the signature of Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, but now risk missing out to Manchester United.
It’s common knowledge that Newcastle were desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements during the January window.
Dan Burn ended up joining from Brighton and Hove Albion, but Newcastle did look abroad for potential signings.
Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Lille’s Sven Botman were two top targets, but they also went in for Monaco ace Badiashile.
It was reported in January that Newcastle had offered a huge £33million bid to sign Badiashile but Monaco wanted even more money.
With Badiashile not exactly pushing for a move either, Newcastle weren’t able to secure a deal for the Frenchman.
Newcastle may still fancy Badiashile this summer, but they now face a huge battle to sign the talented defender.
That’s because the Sunday Mirror (20/02, p71) report that Manchester United are considering making a move of their own for Badiashile.
Boss Ralf Rangnick has allegedly suggested that he thinks United need better defensive options and Badiashile is considered to be a top target.
United don’t have a true left-sided centre back and Badiashile can provide that whilst competing with Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.
Intriguingly, Badiashile has been branded the ‘new Varane’, and could end up playing alongside his fellow Frenchman next season.
Talented young players with huge potential is exactly how Rangnick likes to recruit, and Badiashile fits the bill perfectly.
Newcastle have plenty of spending power thanks to PIF, but it looks like they now face a major battle to sign Badiashile after missing out in January.
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