Report: Newcastle United now ready to jump ahead of Arsenal to secure ‘special’ player in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are ready to make a bid for Arsenal target Youri Tielemans in January, according to Jeunes Footeux.

The report suggests that Newcastle are willing to pay up to £17.3m for the Belgian international’s services.

Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the ‘special’ midfielder, and considered a deadline day for Tielemans.

Newcastle were also linked with a late move, but in the end Tielemans stayed at the King Power Stadium.

The 25-year-old only has a year left on his contract at Leicester, and looks in no rush to sign an extension.

Despite all the speculation around his future, Tielemans has featured in every Leicester match this season.

Tielemans was one of a number of key Leicester players linked with moves away this summer.

Newcastle were also very interested in teammate James Maddison, while Wesley Fofana left late in the window to join Chelsea.

The attention hasn’t helped Leicester’s performances, and they find themselves bottom of the Premier League.

Newcastle to bid for Tielemans in January

Eddie Howe’s side have been keen on adding another midfielder to his squad for a while.

Newcastle were interested in signing Lucas Paqueta, who eventually joined West Ham.

There were also murmurs that Newcastle were interested in Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele.

The French international ended up joining Napoli on loan, and scored in the Champions League last night.

Newcastle submitted their 25-man Premier League squad yesterday, and the inclusion of Jonjo Shelvey despite his long-term injury suggests they need another midfielder.

It makes sense for Newcastle to bid for Tielemans in January to limit the amount of competition for his signature.

There’ll be plenty of clubs interested in signing Tielemans on a free transfer in the summer.

Newcastle might not have the European football other potential suitors could offer the Belgian.

However, if Leicester know he’s leaving, they’ll be very happy to receive a fee for Tielemans before he leaves.