A new name being linked with Newcastle United today is Japhet Tanganga.
The report comes out of Italy, with TMW stating that the Magpies are interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur defender. They state that we want Tanganga on loan, in a deal that would include an obligation to buy next summer.
They add that Tottenham would be very receptive to an approach like that.
Tanganga would be the third defensive addition this summer for Newcastle, having already signed Matt Targett and Sven Botman. The Magpies are yet to make any attacking signings, with Nick Pope the only other player to arrive.
A move for the 23-year-old would be odd given our current priorities in the transfer window, but he is a highly rated defender.
Japhet Tanganga called ‘really special’
Tanganga started last season in the Tottenham starting XI, and played an important role in Spurs beating Man City on the opening day of the season.
His performance caught the eye of former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who called Tanganga ‘really special‘.
He also impressed Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha last year, who hailed Tanganga for how strong and fast he is. It was very complimentary of Zaha, especially as it came on the same day that the Tottenham defender received a red card.
The arrival of Antonio Conte didn’t hinder Tanganga’s minutes, whose season was only ended by injury. He hasn’t featured since February, but is back now and with the Spurs squad in South Korea for pre-season.
Talk of Newcastle wanting to sign Tanganga is strange
While he’s been heavily praised in the past, talk of Tanganga coming to Newcastle feels very strange.
Firstly, the fact the report comes from Italy raises questions. How do they know about an English team wanting to sign an English player from another English team?
There is vested interest from Italy though, with AC Milan interested in signing Tanganga. They will be sweating amid talk of Newcastle making a move, having already lost out in the race to sign Sven Botman.
Secondly, do we need another centre-back? We’ve got four good options at the heart of defence now, so it’s difficult to see where he would fit in. However, his age does give him a long-term edge over the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
A move for Tanganga would only make sense if another defender was leaving St James’ Park. Lascelles is the most likely candidate, and he has been linked with a move away.
But for now, talk of Newcastle signing Tanganga feels slightly farfetched.
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