Newcastle United were one of several sides to hold talks on Sunday over a potential move for Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodji, according to Turkish-Football.
The football news site claim the Magpies joined Leicester City, Swansea City and Crystal Palace in holding discussions with his delegates in London last weekend over a January move.
It is said that one offer from an unnamed club has been made for Mbodji, who is reportedly rated in the £10million bracket and could move to the Premier League in January.
Speaking to Turkish-Football, Mbodji’s agent Ediz Balka said: “Kara has attracted a lot of interest from Premier League sides, we held talks with representatives from those clubs in London last Sunday.
“There are six-seven clubs from the Premier League in talks but I can’t reveal the offers right now.
“The next round of talks will be in Belgium – we will have a better picture of what the near future holds for Kara.”
Kara has made 14 appearances across all competitions for Anderlecht this season, including three in the Champions League group stages, and is contracted at the Belgian side until 2020.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Anderlecht man has impressive pedigree but signing a centre-back should not be Newcastle’s priority in January. They already have some solid citizens in that position, through Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and summer signing Florian Lejeune as well as back-up Chancel Mbemba. Newcastle should be concentrating on attacking and full-back acquisitions instead.
This Is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
Mbodji has obviously impressed more clubs than just the Magpies and there appears to be an auction underway to secure his signature in the winter window. Can the Magpies beat off their fellow top flight rivals? With a takeover some way off and Mike Ashley still at the helm, it is difficult to see it happening.
This Is Futbol rating 3/10