A new defender looks to be on the agenda for Newcastle United.
The likes of Joachim Andersen have been linked with a move to join Eddie Howe’s side, with bodies at the back somewhat light.
Indeed, Fabian Schar’s injury in pre-season has underlined just how little depth Newcastle have defensively.
While the backline were the team’s strong point last season, none of the central defensive options behind Schar and Sven Botman look overly convincing.
Which brings us to a certain Trevoh Chalobah.
Newcastle accelerate plans to sign Trevoh Chalobah
The Chelsea defender, a player Ian Wright has previously compared to one Virgil van Dijk, has frequently been touted as a target for Newcastle.
Reportedly up for sale at Stamford Bridge, fresh reports suggest the Magpies are stepping up plans to sign him.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle and West Ham have both stepped up plans to sign the 24-year-old and are not put off by the Blues demanding £25.8m for their academy graduate.
Inter Milan are also thought to be interested and Chalobah is said to be open to the idea of a move to Italy.
Newcastle could do a lot worse than Chalobah
At 24, Chalobah fits the age profile PIF have largely targeted since the takeover.
Experienced in the Premier League and the Champions League, the defender could, at least in theory, hit the ground running.
Rather than going out and spending huge money on a superstar, having a younger option to cover and compete with Schar as a right-footed centre-back might be a better use of funds as FFP constraints linger.
With an increased schedule this season and Schar over 30, there will surely be opportunities to play this season too, whereas Chelsea have a much deeper squad.
It could be a move that works for all parties.
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