Newcastle now set to launch approach to sign “powerful” Ligue 1 defender
Newcastle United are now set to launch an enquiry to sign a talented Ligue 1 defender this month, according to recent reports.
Howe admits "season-defining" month for Newcastle
It’s a crucial time for Newcastle. Not only must they get results on the pitch, but they must also get things right in the transfer market. They’ve got unfinished business after hosting a late show in the summer and new sporting director Ross Wilson has the chance to get off to the perfect start this month.
Even Eddie Howe couldn’t escape how important this month is, admitting that it will be “season-defining” for Newcastle before having his say on potential incomings.
He told reporters: “Marquee signing, I don’t know quite what that means – I suppose you’re talking big financial outlay?
“I don’t think that’s the desire in this month for various reasons, because I don’t think it’s a great month necessarily to make that kind of signing.
“Any signing that we do make in this window will restrict our ability to do business in the summer, so I think we’ve got to be really careful that we make the right decisions for the here and now and for the future.
“We’re still in that position where PSR will influence every decision that we make, so that’s where we have to be really smart. I don’t think that’s necessarily the wish in this month, but I think our injury situation to a degree will impact what we do and don’t do.”
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If smart is the way to go, then the Magpies should expect to welcome reinforcements who are available at the right price and in a position to make an instant impact such as Bazoumana Toure or perhaps even Dayann Methalie.
According to Craig Hope reporting on Friday lunchtime, Newcastle are set to enquire about signing Methalie from Toulouse in an attempt to strengthen their defensive depth.
Newcastle set to launch Methalie enquiry
Still just 19 years old, Methalie is far from the finished product but could at least provide some competition for Lewis Hall by arriving this month.
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As Newcastle’s injury issues continue, the teenager may not be short on opportunities at St James’ Park, either, and that should be the selling point for a player yet to reach his full potential.
League stats 25/26
Methalie
Hall
Minutes
1,160
792
Interceptions
11
13
Tackles Won
19
17
Ball Recoveries
56
44
One look at the numbers and it becomes easy to see why Newcastle are interested in Methalie. The Frenchman was dubbed “one of the best left-backs in Ligue 1” and described as “powerful” by Get French Football News journalist Alfred Frank last month. Now, he could be on his way to Tyneside.
It’s currently unclear how much Toulouse will demand to sell their left-back, but it’s a deal that Newcastle should be all over if the right price emerges this month. Howe needs depth across his backline and Methalie would offer exactly that.