Newcastle United are in the running to acquire the services of Slavia Prague defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet reports on their website that the Magpies are in a three-way tussle to snap up the centre-back’s signature, with the likes of Fulham and Cardiff City also keen on signing him.
The report adds that the Europa League ace could be the subject of a completed deal before the window slams shut on January 31, with the club who win the race for his services having to pay a £3.9 million release clause.
Good move for Newcastle?
This seems like a pretty odd link for Newcastle this month. Seeing as they have a team jam packed full of centre-backs – Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez to name a few – the need to sign another one would be absolutely pointless. Where would he play? The competition for a first team spot is already rife for the players competing for the role, so it is unnecessary to add more fuel to the fire by signing Nagdeu-Ngadjui. There is no denying his talent – he is just not needed.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
The report says that a move could happen before the window closes, but the likelihood of the Magpies securing a deal for the defender is pretty slim, seeing as they do not really need him. Besides, they would have faced obstacles in signing him from the likes of Fulham and Cardiff, so there is the possibility that the other could submit a more tempting offering.
Therefore while his seven-figure release clause and there’s interest in him, a move does not seem to be on the cards to St James Park this month.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10