Transfer insider Dean Jones has dismissed the speculation linking Newcastle United with a move for OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The lowdown: Magpies’ interested
This comes following a recent report from French outlet Foot Mercato claiming that Newcastle were among the suitors for Todibo, who could be available for around €20million (£17million).
The 22-year-old centre-back only arrived in France from Barcelona in 2021 and has suitably impressed in his first full season in Ligue 1 after an initial loan spell, leading to admiration from the North East as well as Manchester United, Napoli and Sevilla.
However, having already secured the capture of Sven Botman for £35million (Sky Sports), one well-informed onlooker has ruled out a move for Todibo as things stand.
The latest: ‘Things could change’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that the five-cap France Under 20 starlet isn’t currently on the radar at St James’ Park, although one key exit could alter that stance.
He said: “I can’t see it as it stands right now. A new centre-half is just not the priority.
“I checked this out and was told that, after signing Botman, they’ve got Schar on a new deal, they love Dan Burn and think he’s transitioned brilliantly into the team, there isn’t really that need to sign another centre-back. Maybe if Lascelles moved on, things could change.”
The verdict: One more needed
After the confirmed loan departure of veteran central defender Ciaran Clark to Sheffield United this week, Eddie Howe currently has Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and new arrival Botman at his disposal.
In truth, the likely first choice partnership will be Botman and Burn, with Lascelles, Schar and Fernandez all struggling with injuries and form at various times during their recent careers on Tyneside.
Therefore, in order to furnish Howe with the wealth of players required to compete amongst the upper echelons of the Premier League, regardless of what happens with the 32-year-old club captain moving forwards, signing a player of Todibo’s quality should be regarded as a no-brainer for Dan Ashworth and PIF during the ongoing transfer window.
Valued at £18million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Newcastle should waste no time in making an offer at the mooted asking price for the Frenchman described as a ‘unique talent’ by Statman Dave on Twitter during a stellar 7.03 Sofascore-rated stint in the 2019/20 Bundesliga campaign with Schalke.