Craig Hope has insisted on The True Faith podcast that Newcastle United and Eddie Howe are still very much interested in Youri Tielemans.
It was reported over the summer that Newcastle were interested in Leicester City duo James Maddison and Youri Tielemans and with the latter set to enter the final six months of his contract he could be the most likely to leave next month.
That is what Newcastle will be hoping for as Hope has revealed that Newcastle are maintaining their long-term interest heading into the transfer window and could swoop for the Belgian following Jonjo Shelvey;’s recent injury blow.
Hope believes that Howe’s a big fan of Tielemans and that Newcastle would be keen to sign the midfielder, but only if the price is right, otherwise they will walk away.
He said: “I’m told Youri Tielemans remains of interest, a long-term target.
Would Tielemans start for Newcastle?
Yes!
No!
“I think Eddie Howe’s a big fan and there’s always been suspicion there’s a deal there to be done with Leicester his contract is running down, but if that takes an absolute premium price [it’s] probably one that is beyond them.”
TIF Thoughts on interest in Tielemans…
Newcastle’s scouts, Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe will have likely been keeping at least one eye on Tielemans on Boxing Day as the Magpies battered Leicester 3-0, and they may not have been pleased with what they saw as he provided just one key pass and only made four tackles.
This may well have highlighted the fact Brendan Rodgers isn’t sure where best to use Tielemans in the Leicester side, but given his pedigree in both the Premier League and on the international stage, he could still be worth a punt.
Tielemans could be the type of signing that just pushes the Magpies into the top four comfortably come the end of the season as he would add extra quality and depth which is very much needed heading into a hectic 2023 schedule.