Newcastle are in negotiations with Independiente in the hope of landing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to Independent writer Peter Coates
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Saturday that the Magpies were in discussions over a deal worth £3.7million for Tagliafico, 24, but the one-time Argentina international is also attracting attention from other clubs across Europe.
Hearing it could be Nicolás Tagliafico's last game for @Independiente tonight; offers from Europe & @NUFC negotiating over a €4M move #NUFC pic.twitter.com/q76kGV6Zs7
— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) August 26, 2017
It is understood that the highly-rated defender could have been making his final appearance for Independiente on Saturday when his side beat Huracan 3-1.
Tagliafico made 27 appearances across all competitions last season and as a result of his top form he earned his first international cap for Argentina in June when he played against Brazil in a friendly fixture.
Good move for Newcastle?
Tagliafico is yet to be tested at a big team in Europe so it remains to be seen how well he makes the step up from the Argentine league to the Premier League. However the Magpies are in desperate need of a left-back and for £3.7million, it’s hard to see how Tagliafico could be a flop when his only real competition at St. James’ Park could be the out-of-form Paul Dummett. Tagliafico must be highly rated among the international set-up in Argentina having already earned one international cap, so this could be a very good, economic swoop for the Tynesiders.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It’s getting late in the transfer window and Rafa Benitez still needs to make a few additions to his side on quite a low budget. Tagliafico’s quality perhaps outweighs his value and that is only good news for Newcastle, who have to move quick to get this deal over the line. The only thing that could stop the Magpies is the interest from other teams in Europe. Although there is quite a big Spanish influence on Tyneside, a move to La Liga could be more attractive to the Argentine international.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10