Newcastle United are now amongst the clubs with the strongest interest in signing a versatile Inter Milan star this summer.
Howe insists he's the right man for Newcastle job
It was a torrid week for Newcastle and one which summed up what has been a woeful campaign. Having been thrashed by Liverpool and Manchester City in the space of a few days, the Magpies had their misery compounded by a third defeat on the bounce against Brentford at St James' Park.
It was the most frustrating defeat of the lot, as Eddie Howe's men let their lead slip for the umpteenth time this season, before watching their own comeback become useless after Dango Outtara's late winner.
Howe's honesty was as ruthless as it has ever been after Saturday's defeat, but he has since insisted that he is still the right man for the job - telling reporters: "No, there’s no doubt in my mind, and that’s why I’m sat here. If there was, then I wouldn’t be because, as I said, the club is the most important thing.
"I’d never put myself before the club. If I didn’t think I was the correct man to take the team forward and I could give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it."
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There's no doubt that the pressure is on the former Bournemouth boss to turn things around, though. But that's not to say Newcastle couldn't do with getting things right in the transfer market to match.
Ahead of this summer, the likes of Curtis Jones have already found themselves on the Magpies' radar and he is also joined by an Inter Milan star.
Newcastle now favourites to sign Carlos Augusto
As reported by Italian publication L'Interista and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle now hold the strongest interest in Carlos Augusto alongside Aston Villa, making the Premier League duo the current favourites to land the Inter Milan man.
The versatile defender mainly operates as a left-back, but can play in central defence to hand Newcastle the type of cover that they've been needing all season long.
carlos-augusto-inter-milan
This time around, Newcastle won't have to worry about PSR limitations, either. Inter Milan reportedly value Augusto at just €30m (£26m), which should be an affordable fee for most Premier League sides.
The fact that Augusto is also represented by the same agent as Sandro Tonali and that could yet provide another boost for those at those at St James' Park.
In terms of quality, Augusto would offer Howe plenty of experience as a Serie A winner and some much-needed depth within the heart of his backline.
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The Magpies are leading the interest in a centre-forward.
Whether the Brazilian makes his way to the Premier League this summer remains to be seen, but Newcastle certainly need to do something in the transfer market this summer.