Newcastle United have been linked with signing Tanguy Ndombele this summer, but Eddie Howe isn’t keen on a deal.
It was reported in France on Wednesday that the Magpies are in ‘pole position‘ to sign the Tottenham midfielder. The claim was very strange, and felt incredibly unlikely to be true.
The Frenchman is no longer wanted at Spurs, but hardly sounds like the type of player who Howe would want at St James’ Park. Tottenham’s valuation was also an issue. Media Foot stated that they want £42million for Ndombele, which would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.
Given the summer we’re having, there’s no way we’re making Ndombele our record signing. Not when our priorities certainly lie elsewhere.
This transfer rumour felt totally off, and now the Evening Standard have provided some more information.
Howe not keen on Ndombele deal
The Evening Standard have reported that the 25-year-old has been offered to Newcastle by his representatives. They are keen to find their client a new club after a disastrous spell in North London.
However, the report adds that Toon boss Howe isn’t convinced by the man who cost Tottenham £63million. That’s no surprise given how the midfielder has done in the Premier League since his move to Spurs.
Sure, he’s incredibly gifted technically and can do unimaginable things with a ball at his feet. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
There have been question marks surrounding his attitude and his fitness. That doesn’t sound like an Eddie Howe player to me.
Since he became Newcastle manager, attitude has been everything. Players have stepped up and responded to his methods, while the right characters have arrived in the transfer market.
There’s a new intensity on the pitch too, which allowed us to smother Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
So where would Ndombele fit in? He’s played under enough managers at Spurs to suggest that he’s the problem rather than the coaching. It’s a shame because he is a real joy to watch.
But Howe isn’t keen on signing him after being offered the opportunity, and rightly so.
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