It is no secret that Newcastle United need to strengthen their squad this summer, and in several positions across the pitch. One of the areas where they will be looking to strengthen is their defence.
Earlier, I had covered rumours linking the club with right-backs. That is an area where the Magpies do not have much in the name of depth. But at the same time, Eddie Howe’s side seem to be looking to strengthen on the opposite flank as well.
It looks like a French left-back or wing-back is on Newcastle United’s radar. And they have already taken the first steps towards signing him.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United have made fresh enquiries in recent days for Toulouse full-back Dayann Methalie. But there is a problem.
Newcastle United handed problem in race to sign French defender
The Magpies are not going to have a free run at signing Mathalie. That is because there is interest in the Toulouse defender from elsewhere as well.
The same report goes on to state that Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as a significant competitor to Newcastle United’s hopes of signing Methalie. On the other hand, the Magpies have reopened lines of communication regarding a move.
So, things could get very tight in this race. Newcastle United have been tracking the Frenchman since last summer. They even made an approach in the winter window.
Unfortunately, a move did not end up materialising at that point. Now, it looks like the Magpies are back searching for his signature. But they have significant competition this time around.
Why Bayer Leverkusen might have advantage
If Newcastle United end up missing out on Methalie after tracking him for over a year, it would be a blow. That being said, it is not hard to understand why that might end up happening.
Newcastle United finished 12th in the Premier League last season. That means they won’t be taking part in Europe. That is not the case with Bayer Leverkusen though.
Bayer Leverkusen had an underwhelming campaign themselves, especially after the heights they had reached under the management of Xabi Alonso. But they were still good enough to qualify for the Europa League.
At the same time though, that might not be the end of the world for Newcastle United. We have seen many players pass up the chance to join other top teams in order to move to the Premier League in recent years and that number seems to grow every summer.
