Eddie Howe stays true to transfer strategy as Newcastle make opening bid for LaLiga ace on Chelsea, Liverpool radar
Reports claim Newcastle have tabled a sizeable offer for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as Eddie Howe looks to steal a march on his rivals.
These are heady times at St James’ Park, with Champions League football secured for 2023-2024. Despite the Saudi-backed takeover of the club, not many expected a top-four finish so soon. Superb recruitment plus a team ethic that all seem to have bought into have helped boost the north-east outfit.
Pulling the strings is Howe, who has got most things right since replacing Steve Bruce at the helm.
The next step is to bring in players capable of further improving the squad and with one eye on Europe.
And with that in mind, it seems as though they have turned to Real’s 23-year-old enforcer.
Tchouameni, 24, began his career with Bordeaux, making 37 appearances before moving to Monaco in January 2020.
Having enjoyed 95 outings for the principality outfit, he moved to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2022.
Los Blancos are said to have paid €80m for the schemer who inked a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.
READ MORE: Newcastle transfers: Howe given fresh hope over Tottenham tussle as summer target’s price tag and ambitions emerge
Liverpool were linked at the time but he opted for Real. Much was expected of the Rouen-born star but he has failed to hit the expected heights.
He was handed 33 LaLiga appearances but only 24 starts. And with Jude Bellingham set to arrive next season, the Frenchman may see even less game time.
Rivals circling for Tchouameni signature
It remains to be seen if Real chief Carlo Ancelotti sanctions Tchouameni’s exit. But, if allowed to leave, he will have no shortage of suitors.
In addition to Newcastle, Liverpool are thought to still hold and interest while Chelsea have also been linked.
But the Tynesiders have reportedly moved first, with Spanish outlet Defensa Central suggesting an offer of €80m is now on the table.
Tchouameni would add some steel to the midfield which is packed full of attacking and exciting players.
Howe has the likes of Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon to call on.
Tchouameni would be recruited to protect a defence that conceded the joint-fewest goals along with Manchester City last term.
Other clubs may look to match Newcastle’s offer but the Reds and Blues cannot offer Champions League football.
It is a measure of just how far the club has come that they are now competing with the established ‘giants’ for top players.
Howe made it clear that he would not recruit players just for the sake of it but every signing would have to fit into the plan.
He has stuck to that mantra and a move for Tchouameni makes perfect sense.
The club’s hierarchy have made it clear they will continue to back the boss in the transfer market.
And it would be no surprise if they upped their bid if Real refuse to play ball on the numbers being quoted.
READ MORE: Pochettino cull to continue as Newcastle set to move for cut-price Chelsea misfit offered to LaLiga giants
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