Newcastle hunt Premier League ‘veteran’ after mauling by Man City
Newcastle are reportedly targeting a defender with bags of Premier League experience after the defeat to Man City on Sunday.
The Magpies were beaten 4-0 at home as the Premier League leaders ran rampant to continue their impressive form. Newcastle’s defensive frailty was on show just minutes in as Ciaran Clark and Martin Dubravka failed to deal with a Joao Cancelo cross.
That allowed Ruben Dias to put City in front with a simple header from just yards out.
Cancelo then got a goal of his own by smashing the ball into the top corner from just outside the box.
Newcastle’s misery got worse in the second half as Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling found the net for City.
The result left Newcastle in 19th place with just 10 points. Eddie Howe’s side have the worst defensive record in the league, standing at 41 goals against.
It is clear that centre-back reinforcements are needed, and quickly. The Tyneside club have huge financial power thanks to their £305m takeover and will not want to spend next season in the Championship.
Sport Witness, who cite reports in Italy, state Newcastle could remedy their defensive woes with the capture of a Premier League ‘veteran’.
Sampdoria’s Maya Yoshida is in the man reportedly in their sights. He spent eight years with Southampton, making 194 appearances in all competitions.
He was a part of the squad which finished in the top eight four seasons on the bounce, while also appearing in the resultant Europa League campaigns.
The report claims Newcastle have made an initial enquiry over Yoshida’s availability. They believe they can prize him away from Italy with an attractive offer this winter.
Yoshida has been at Sampdoria since September 2020, following the expiry of his Saints contract. He previously spent six months on loan with the Serie A team.
Newcastle learn fate in Eden Hazard pursuit
Meanwhile, Newcastle have little chance of signing Eden Hazard in January, according to a report.
Football Espana, citing Diario AS, claim Hazard wants to remain at the Bernabeu to fight for a starting spot under Carlo Ancelotti.
He is also unwilling to uproot his family due to the imminent birth of his fifth child.
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Newcastle had been in the running to complete an audacious swoop, alongside West Ham. But the former Chelsea man will not be going anywhere this winter.
However, a summer move is not completely out of the question. The report claims Hazard will consider his future if he cannot get back into Ancelotti’s plans.
READ MORE: Everton star causes big issue after delivering thumbs down to Newcastle move
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