Newcastle United have identified Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan N’Dicka as their latest defensive target following disappointment in the pursuit of Sven Botman.
The Lille centre-back was seemingly the Magpies’ first-choice option to revamp their defence, but the French side refused to part ways with him in January, and AC Milan have since beaten Eddie Howe’s side to the punch when it comes to securing his services this summer.
AC Milan have not changed their plan on Sven Botman: advanced deal and work in progress to reach full, total agreement with Lille. Botman’s now waiting to join Milan. ?? #transfers
Milan will also proceed in talks with Divock Origi’s agents in the next days. ⤵️ https://t.co/wYHR2Pcu8B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 22, 2022
And, while Newcastle have been on an inspired run of form since the turn of the year, that has seen them consign the relegation zone to a distant memory and jump into the top half of the Premier League table, reinforcements this summer are still necessary, especially in defence.
As such, N’Dicka would be a shrewd option, with the French centre-back having just one year left to run on his contract in Germany and therefore being available on the cheap this summer.
The club’s board member for sport, Markus Krösche, recently hinted at the need to sell players before they departed as free agents, which will only strengthen the Magpies’ hand.
‘If the players do not extend their contracts, the situation automatically arises that we have to sell’, he revealed.
It is thought that a bid of around 25 million euros would be enough to see a deal go through should Eddie Howe decide that he is their man.
N’Dicka in European action
And Howe and co. will have the perfect opportunity to see their rumoured target against Premier League opposition as West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt clash in the semi-finals of the Europa League across the next fortnight.
N’Dicka will miss the first leg through suspension, after picking up a red card in the dying stages of their win over Barcelona, but will be eligible for the second leg and will be keen to impress.
The Hammers go into the games looking to continue their hunt for their first European silverware since 1964-5, while the German side are looking for just their second trophy since the turn of the millennium.
Read more:
Arsenal take advantage of Manchester United’s implosion and Newcastle excel in hot or not: Matchday 33
RB Leipzig vs Rangers betting tips: Europa League semi-final first leg preview, predictions and odds
