Newcastle launch defender move as PIF bypass club to discuss personal terms

Newcastle United are running out of time to strengthen a squad which has been torn apart in the summer transfer window. New manager Matthias Jaissle still needs reinforcements all over the pitch if he is to drag the Magpies back into European contention.

On that front, it’s once again been a summer full of rejections. Players like James Trafford and Johan Manzambi have picked Premier League alternatives, leaving Newcastle to wonder who else they can even turn to.

As far as they are concerned, though, there is still time and there is still targets like Joao Palhinha and Edmond Tapsoba. The former is one who looks likelier than ever to arrive now that Aston Villa have been rejected by Bayern Munich, but there’s still work to be done to get a deal over the line.

Tapsoba, meanwhile, is a new name. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is on Newcastle’s radar as they look to welcome a centre-back partner for Malick Thiaw.

Many seem to have forgotten, but the Magpies also have a crisis in that area and not just in midfield. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are now 34 years old, Sven Botman missed 11 more games through injury last season, and that leaves Thiaw to fill in the role as Mr Reliable.

It should make Tapsoba a priority target. A title-winning defender, and in invincible fashion at that, the Leverkusen man would be an excellent addition at this stage of the transfer window.

At 6’4, Newcastle will struggle to find a more dominant aerial defender in the market. Last season, Tapsoba won 70 aerial duels and also handed Leverkusen security in possession – ranking inside the top 10 for dribbles completed by centre-backs in the Bundesliga. As a partner for Thiaw, he should be the top option.

Newcastle discuss personal terms with Tapsoba

REUTERS/Craig Brough

As reported by Fussball Daten in Germany, Newcastle have opened talks with Tapsoba over personal terms. Bayer Leverkusen have given the green light for clubs to make their moves starting at €50 (£43m), but so far talks have only taken place on the player side.

It’s a hefty price, but certainly worthwhile as far as the Magpies are concerned. With time running out in the transfer window, those on Tyneside would be wise to accelerate talks as soon as possible to welcome a crucial addition for Jaissle.

With interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, Newcastle cannot afford to hesitate for the umpteenth time. They know Leverkusen’s asking price and they’re in talks over personal terms with Tapsoba. They cannot afford to let the centre-back slip through their grasp at this stage.

If Jaissle is to have any success, forming a long-term centre-back partnership should be among the priorities at St James’ Park this month.