Newcastle United recently confirmed the signing of Sven Botman from LOSC Lille, so Eddie Howe has six centre-backs on the books – Botman, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez. Clark and Fernandez are expected to leave this summer after falling down the pecking order, so Howe will have four defenders ahead of next season.
Botman was an important signing as he’s a left-footed centre-back, so Newcastle would be in the market for another if he’d joined AC Milan over the Magpies. Nathan Ake was believed to be on their transfer wishlist, but they no longer need him. Alan Hutton still regards Newcastle as a potential destination for the 27-year-old, however.
He told Football Insider: “He’s obviously looking as high as possible, but realistically I can’t see it being a top four team. Tottenham are looking for defensive reinforcements – could he fit in there? Yes, of course he could. Newcastle are looking for reinforcements – could he fit in there? Yes, he could.
“You want to be playing at the highest level possible, but it’s purely down to game time. You don’t want to be in a relegation battle and you don’t want to be stuck on the bench somewhere, so it’s a big decision for him.” Newcastle can be removed from the list of suitors, however, as Howe is overstocked with defenders.
Ake wouldn’t have been a bad signing given his experience at Manchester City, but it doesn’t appear he’s that keen to leave. The 27-year-old has struggled for playing time due to Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte being ahead in the pecking order, but Ake still wants to fight for his place next season.
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