Newcastle plan to hijack Liverpool move for £24m midfielder

Newcastle United have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Denis Zakaria in January.

Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this month that the Reds have made contact over the 25-year-old.

But now, according to Sky Sports, Newcastle have identified Zakaria as a potential target.

Liverpool could certainly do with bolstering their midfield ranks, as they’ve not yet replaced Georginio Wijnaldum.

However, the Magpies have serious financial muscle behind them and are in pursuit of Premier League survival.

Sky Sports has claimed that Eddie Howe has compiled a transfer wish list for Newcastle’s board to pursue.

And Zakaria, who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland, is reportedly on said list.

The 6ft 3in powerhouse is out of contract next summer and many clubs could soon be after him.

But the Daily Mail has claimed that, despite his contract situation, Gladbach want £24million for Zakaria.

Admittedly, £24million is steep for a player whose contract has just months left to run.

However, Zakaria is a midfielder of the highest calibre who’d bolster the ranks of any team.

“I’ve been compared to Vieira and Pogba,” the Bundesliga website quotes Zakaria as saying a few years ago.

“Two more players I really respect and, in a way, see as role models.

“When I watch videos of them I think I’d like to play that way.”

Newcastle, with PIF backing, could certainly give Gladbach and Zakaria what they want financially.

However, would the player himself be willing to join a relegation-threatened team not currently challenging for silverware?

Newcastle plan to hijack Liverpool move for £24m midfield powerhouse – report