Newcastle Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh has insisted that he “can’t see” Newcastle making a club-record move for CSKA Moscow right-back Mario Fernandes.
An earlier report from the Daily Mirror claimed that the Magpies were considering a £26.4million swoop for the 28-year-old, who is reportedly seen as an ideal upgrade on DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo.
Speaking to the Chronicle via their live transfer blog [Friday, 8:42am], however, Waugh laughed off the rumour and said that Newcastle would only consider a move for a much lower price.
“Of all the links so far this window, Mario Fernandes is one of the most peculiar ones,” the journalist said.
“Not because he isn’t a player Newcastle United’s recruitment team are aware of – they most certainly are – but it is the age and asking price which sets alarm bells ringing immediately.
“Newcastle are reluctant to pay £16.5million for Salomon Rondon, who is 29 and played a direct role in 18 Premier League goals across the 2018/19 season, so why would they agree to part with £26.5m for a 28-year-old right-back from CSKA Moscow?
“Newcastle – and Rafa Benitez – do want a right-back, but I just can’t see this one happening at that price. Half of that value, and then some, and then Newcastle may consider it.”
OPINION
Waugh is right – this transfer rumour does seem pretty far-fetched when you put it into context. Rondon was unplayable for Newcastle last term, enjoying his best-ever season in England after scoring 11 Premier League goals. He is one of – if not Rafael Benitez’s top – target this summer (should the Spaniard stay on, of course) and if the club are not willing to pay £16.5million for him, then there is absolutely no way Newcastle are going to break their transfer record for a second window in a row to bring in Fernandes. Yes, the full-back chipped in with one goal and nine assists for Moscow last season and would be a fantastic addition, but there is just no way Newcastle would do it unless they could get him for £10million maximum. Unless Benitez can persuade Mike Ashley to drastically change the club’s transfer policy. Then they would have much more of a chance.