Newcastle United are keeping their defensive options open this month.
Although the Magpies have been struck down with injuries, it is a suspension they’re struggling to work around. Sandro Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban following illegal betting activity while playing for AC Milan.
Consequently, Eddie Howe is keen to add a new central midfielder to his squad until at least the end of the season. Manchester City are rumoured to be in talks over a potential loan deal for Kalvin Phillips (Rudy Galetti).
However, although a replacement for Tonali remains top of the Geordies’ agenda, the club are thought to also be on the lookout for a new centre-back.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, one name ‘high on’ Howe’s ‘wanted list’ is Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen.
The Denmark international, since leaving Chelsea 18 months ago, has struggled to nail down a regular spot in Xavi’s matchday teams. Although the 27-year-old has started 14 La Liga games, he has been trusted in just half the club’s Champions League fixtures.
Although working out a deal may not be possible given Newcastle’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, Barcelona’s number 15 remains a player to keep an eye on between now and the end of the January window.