Newcastle send staff over to watch ‘brilliant’ £35m midfielder who plays like Conor Gallagher

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are understood to have sent scouts to Italy on Monday night as they continue their transfer mission for a key target who is very similar to Conor Gallagher.

Injuries to Joelinton and Joe Willock have left Newcastle practically desperate for another midfielder, but they aren’t’ finding it easy to find good value in the January window.

A report from TuttoMercatoWeb claims that Newcastle’s head of scouting Steve Nickson was at Atalanta’s 5-0 victory over Frosinone on Monday night watching Ederson who the Magpies have a keen interest in.

Nickson watches Newcastle target score in thumping victory

Ederson, valued at around £35m, has been a target for Newcastle since November when they identified him as a possible replacement for Sandro Tonali, and now they need midfield reinforcements more than ever.

The Brazilian has enjoyed a ‘brilliant‘ season with the Italians so far on both the attacking and defensive ends and has proved to be a big player in crucial moments as Atalanta continue their hunt of Champions League football.

Despite their significant interest, a move for Ederson looks unlikely for Newcastle right now not only because of their lack of funds, but Atalanta are also unwilling to let one of their star players go in the winter window.

However, it’s said that there may be discussions to be had in the summer over a possible move to the North East if the interest is still there and Newcastle are willing to stump up the cash.

Ederson has a skillset similar to Gallagher

In terms of what he would bring to Newcastle if they were to make a bid, Ederson is very similar to Gallagher who has been a workhorse for Chelsea this season.

On the defensive side of things, both players are averaging just under three tackles per 90 and around 1.5 blocks and interceptions per 90.

Alternatively, they are both very effective going forwards as Ederson has proved with his six goal contributions in 20 Serie A games, scoring five and averaging almost 1.5 shots per 90.

He’s the type of midfielder Eddie Howe loves, someone willing to fight at either ends of the pitch and has the ability to do both jobs at such a high level, like Joelinton for example.