Newcastle and Arsenal are both keeping tabs on the situation of Roma defender Evan Ndicka, according to reports in Italy.
Website LaRoma24.it claim that based on “leaks” they have heard from the player’s entourage, he is open to leaving the Stadio Olimpico this summer.
Ndicka started every league game for the Giallorossi last season and they are said to be very reluctant to sanction the centre-back’s departure.
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It is believed that a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) would be required to secure the 25-year-old’s signature.
Newcastle do want a centre-half
Manager Eddie Howe has been keen to reinforce the middle of defence since the start of last season.
A concerted effort was made to recruit Marc Guehi but the Magpies were not able to agree a fee with Crystal Palace. Howe has subsequently relied on Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn but the lack of depth in that position remains a concern.
Ndicka is not a top target
Although the Ivorian international has had a good campaign, the fact that he is left-footed means you can’t see Newcastle making an approach for him.
The Athletic have reported that the priority is a “right-sided centre-half”. Guehi remains on the club’s radar, while they are also interested in Bournemouth’s Ilya Zabarnyi, although the Ukrainian international does look set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw is another player who could be considered. There is a longstanding interest in the German and the Rossoneri are thought to be weighing up whether to sell him.
Fans would probably prefer Howe to reignite a move for Guehi, but there will be major competition, with Arsenal having joined Chelsea in the race for his services.
In other news, Chris Waddle has warned Newcastle that they will need “a lot of cash” to sign a top summer target