Newcastle Utd news: Jonathan Tah on Eddie Howe’s radar as Magpies assess alternative option to Marc Guéhi
Newcastle United have expressed their interest in the signing of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, according to The Sun.
The 29-year-old’s current contract expires this summer and has gathered interest from several clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Eddie Howe is looking to build on Carabao Cup success by attracting top-quality talent to St.James’ Park.
The Magpies are set to strengthen their squad ahead of the summer as they are poised to return to European football next season.
How would Jonathan Tah impact Newcastle United?
Last season’s Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal winner would bring plenty of experience to Tyneside with his 10 years spent at Leverkusen.
Long-time servant of the club, Jamaal Lascelles, could make way for Tah after suffering a lengthy knee injury last year, which has ruled him out for the entirety of this season.
Howe’s top priority had been Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, but the £70million asking price set by the Eagles last summer could force an alternative option.
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Where else could Jonathan Tah end up?
Manchester United have a keen eye on the German, and the defender could suit Ruben Amorim’s system.
But if the Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League via Europa League success, Old Trafford may not be the most desirable location.
The defender had been on the radar of Bayern Munich and Barcelona last summer but no real progress was made in getting a deal signed.
Tah could reunite with his current head coach, Xabi Alonso, who is the frontrunner to be in charge of Real Madrid next season.
Los Blancos have expressed their need for defensive recruitment in the summer, and Alonso could tempt the German to make the switch to the Bernabéu.
Is Jonathan Tah a good fit for Newcastle United?
St. James’ Park would welcome the addition of Tah to Howe’s squad, especially if the Magpies were to return to Europe next season.
Tah played every single minute in Leverkusen’s 10 Champions League fixtures this season as they fell short to fellow German side, Bayern Munich, in the round of 16.
He also played a key part in reaching the Europa League final the season prior.
The defender has plenty of international experience, having received 35 caps for Germany and featuring in last summer’s European Championships.
Last season, Newcastle conceded 65 goals in the Premier League as they settled for a seventh place finish which eventually meant missing out on European football.
With three games to go they have only conceded 45 goals this time around, so if the Magpies are to continue to build off their success, they will need to be defensively strong to consistently be in the top four and to compete in all competitions next season.
If Tah is set for Tyneside, the German would be a great addition not just for Newcastle but for the Premier League.
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