Newcastle United are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to an Italian journalist.
Sky Sports Italia journalist Matteo Moretto claims that the Argentinian full-back can leave the Dutch giants in the upcoming January transfer window.
However, following the confirmation that Ben Chilwell has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, Chelsea are also reportedly interested in signing Tagliafico.
Moretto claims that there has been no contact with either of the Premier League sides with Ajax, regarding a potential deal, as of yet.
Should Newcastle pursue Nicolas Tagliafico move?
Across the Eredivisie and Champions League, Tagliaficio has only made three starts for Erik ten Haag’s side, so far this season.
Former Manchester United man Daley Blind is the man in charge of Ajax’s left-back spot and it looks like the Eredivisie holders could be willing to part ways with Tagliafico.
The Argentinean international, who won the Copa America with his nation in the summer, was the club’s number one left-back last season, but he has dropped out-of-favour.
With his current Ajax contract expiring in 2023, Tagliafico was a key part of the Ajax side that made it to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
But with Chelsea, a fellow Champions League side, also chasing his signature, Tagliafico would be moving from a team that is use to winning week in, week out in Holland, to a side that is fighting for their lives, if he opted to join Newcastle.
Eddie Howe played Javier Manquillo at left-back against Manchester United with Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie all being unavailable.
The Magpies desperately need defensive reinforcements in January, but we need to get our signings right, we cannot afford to have big-money transfers flopping, especially with our top-flight status on the line.
Tagliafico has never played in the Premier League, so it would take some time for the South American to adapt to the pace and rigours of the English game. Time is something that we don’t have the benefit of having.
Nicolas Tagliafico could be an intriguing option in the summer, but right now Newcastle should focus our efforts on signing proven Premier League players like Kieran Trippier, who want to be part of PIFs ambitious project and can immediately boost our survival prospects.
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