Hector Moreno is pretty much the archetypal, old school Premier League centre-back – but Newcastle United want Eibar’s Florian Lejeune instead.
Monchi was the brains behind Sevilla’s success
It didn’t take long for esteemed sporting director Monchi to make his presence felt at Roma. The former Sevilla talentspotter hasn’t enjoyed the easiest few weeks in the Italian capital with club legend Francesco Totti departing, coach Luciano Spaletti moving to Inter and talismanic attacker Mo Salah linked relentlessly with Liverpool.
However, amid the chaos, Monchi has secured potentially one of the summer’s most astute bargains. According to Goal, Mexican international centre-back Hector Moreno has sealed a £4.3 million move to the Stadio Olimpico after two fine seasons with PSV Eindhoven, helping them lift the Eredivisie title in 2015/16.
Hector Moreno (R) was a favourite at former club Espanyol
And this could have repercussions for their reported pursuit of Eibar centre-back Florian Lejeune. According to Marca, Roma made an offer of around £3 million for the defender, who spent one season on Manchester City’s books before moving to Eibar last summer.
One step closer?
However, Moreno making the move to Italy certainly gives Newcastle United hope that they can finally bring Lejeune to England. Marca added that the 26-year-old had an agreement in principle to make the move to St James’ Park this summer, with reports suggesting an £8.7 million fee would be paid.
Florian Lejeune
Therefore, this makes Lejeune far more expensive than Moreno – but that does not necessarily mean he is a better defender.
The grizzled centre-back is a 79 time Mexico international and his palpable passion and willingness to throw his body on the line means he’s exactly the kind of player Newcastle fans adore.
The fact he has been linked with a move for the Premier League for a number of years suggests that his style would be a good fit for the rough and tumble of the English game. However, it appears that Newcastle will instead sign the player Roma viewed as a back-up option.
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