Newcastle form realistic transfer plan for Championship player Howe can depend on
The idea of Newcastle United reuniting Eddie Howe with Bournemouth defender Steve Cook is becoming more realistic, according to a report.
The January transfer window is just around the corner and all eyes will be on Newcastle. They have plenty of money to spend after their Saudi-backed takeover. But while in a relegation battle, their ambitions for their first transfer window under the new owners are debatable.
Links continue to crop up with high-profile players. On the flipside, there have been references to other targets who may not be quite as exciting, but could help them get the job done of staying up in the short term.
One area Newcastle want to strengthen is in defence. It is believed that new head coach Howe would like to sign two centre-backs. Firmly on his radar are dependable Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
However, there is a belief that Newcastle will encounter difficulties trying to sign players from Premier League rivals. Burnley are one of the teams they are trying to catch and the Clarets would surely not want to lose two players who have been the bedrock of their top-flight stability to a direct competitor.
Therefore, The Sun are reporting that Newcastle are expanding their shortlist and are starting to seriously consider a swoop for Bournemouth captain Steve Cook.
Howe coached Cook during his time working with the South Coast club. They worked together in League One, the Championship and the Premier League until Bournemouth’s relegation in 2020, when Howe left the club.
Cook played 42 times in the Championship last season but has only played three times in the league this term. He has worked his way back into contention in recent weeks.
Howe to give Cook another Prem chance
But the pull of reuniting with Howe in the Premier League and becoming part of Newcastle’s new era could give the Cherries skipper something to consider.
At the age of 30 and with a contract until the end of the season, he shouldn’t be the most expensive target.
Howe believes Cook has the appropriate Premier League experience he is looking for. Therefore, he may be a useful – if not thrilling – addition midway through the season.
In the short term, it could be the kind of signing Newcastle need before they plan for what they hope will be a more exciting future.
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