It is getting a little ridiculous now, isn’t it Newcastle? Eddie Howe’s Magpies have been linked with yet another potential January transfer as the Tyneside outfit has cast the widest possible net available known to man in order to hopefully secure additional signings before the winter window closes.
This time, Newcastle has been linked with interest in West Ham center-back Issa Diop according to L’Equipe referenced by Get French Football.
New talks today between Newcastle & West Ham defender Issa Diop (25) – if they convince the player, they will likely submit a bid to the Hammers – player currently unsure owing to their status as relegation candidates, according to L’Équipe.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 27, 2022
Diop was not considered to be a first-choice option at the London Stadium this season under David Moyes until injuries tore through the Hammers squad, and on the back of that, the French defender made eight-consecutive starts in the Premier League but was right back on the bench in their last fixture once everyone was fully fit.
Now, the Hammers are said to be open to letting the 25-year-old leave this winter under the condition that they are able to find a suitable replacement as to avoid having a skeleton crew at the heart of the defense once the Europa League resumes action. Should the Hammers find a transfer lead, Diop certainly may take his chance at Newcastle and almost assuredly would be a first-choice option under Howe.
Newcastle targeting Bundesliga defender
Issa Diop is not the only center-back that could end up at St. James’ Park before the conclusion of the window if PIF get their way this winter, but an unexpected target could be just the tonic as the club have struggled to secure new names for recruitment.
Goal journalist Ronan Murphy reported that the Magpies are tracking 1.FSV Mainz 05 defender Jeremiah St. Juste this month according to Sky Germany.
MAINZ, GERMANY – DECEMBER 19: Jeremiah St.Juste of 1.FSV Mainz 05 in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and SV Werder Bremen at Opel Arena on December 19, 2020 in Mainz, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
St. Juste, now 25-years-old and a former Dutch U21 international has been one of the better bottom-half performers in the Bundesliga for a few seasons now and is certainly one of the standout assets at MEWA Arena under manager Bo Svensson but will be out of contract after next season.
His experience in ample situations that Newcastle continues to find themselves in – including this season – would offer valuable experience in a player profile that is sorely lacking on Tyneside this season at the heart of the defense. For all their cash-backing, a deal for St. Juste would be one of the smarter moves the club could do; foregoing the profile of a players name and rather focusing on what he brings to the table.
