Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy has given his thoughts on the club and their pursuit of Attila Szalai in the January transfer window.
With Newcastle owning the second-worst defensive record in the division with 43 goals conceded in their 20 games so far, bulking up the backline was always going to be the priority for Eddie Howe’s men during this transfer window.
They have been linked with a number of players this window, including Sven Botman and Diego Carlos to name but a few. One other defender who has found himself linked with a move to the north-east is Hungarian defender Szalai, with Sky Sports reporting that West Ham United and AC Milan are both showing interest in the Fenerbahce defender along with Newcastle United.
However, speaking on a recent edition of NUFC Matters, Kennedy appeared to dismiss the idea that Newcastle were interested in him, but did say that he did think he would be a good man for them to target.
He said: “It’s not one that I’ve heard, but I’ve seen the rumours doing the rounds. I think it would be a really solid signing.”
TIF Thoughts on Liam Kennedy’s comments on Attila Szalai and Newcastle United…
Will Newcastle sign a defender this week?
Yes!
No!
Kennedy is arguably right to suggest that Szalai would be a solid signing for Newcastle United to make.
At 23, he is someone that can help the club for years to come if they signed him, while at 1.92 metres (6ft 3in), he’s an imposing figure at the back and is currently averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per game, whilst maintaining a 79.1% pass completion rate (as per WhoScored) – many of which would put him comfortably in the top ten in some categories among his potential Newcastle United teammates.
However, if Newcastle are to make a run at him, they might have to pull out something special in order to sign him when you consider who they are reportedly up against when it comes to grabbing his signature.
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