Newcastle United have the chance to prove Paul Mitchell wrong about £34m player

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Paul Mitchell had a first transfer window to forget as Newcastle United’s sporting director.

After arriving as Dan Ashworth’s replacement, Paul Mitchell spent most of the summer pursuing Marc Guehi.

The Newcastle United sporting director was unable to agree a deal with Crystal Palace, while he was also unable to identify a suitable alternative.

It was Marc Guehi or nothing for Eddie Howe, with the Newcastle United manager only interested in signing a centre-back who would definitely improve his starting XI.

Plenty of other players were linked, but Guehi was the only one deemed suitable for Howe. And now one of Mitchell’s alternatives is set to arrive at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United’s centre-back problems

Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Monday night, as they face West Ham United.

The Magpies have got centre-back problems going into that game. Dan Burn is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, while Emil Krafth is out injured. That means that Lloyd Kelly will join Fabian Schar in the middle of defence.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle United forwards will be trying to get past a player who was in talks to join the Magpies this summer – Jean-Clair Todibo.

Newcastle United tried to sign Jean-Clair Todibo

Geordie Boot Boys were told during the summer that Paul Mitchell held talks to bring Jean-Clair Todibo to Newcastle United.

However, those talks did not progress, while some people inside Newcastle United were against the idea of signing the French defender from Nice.

Instead, Todibo signed for West Ham. He is on loan at the London Stadium, with the Hammers having an option to make the deal permanent for £34million next summer.

The 24-year-old has started five out of the last six Premier League games for West Ham. After a slow start to life in East London, he is beginning to find his feet.

Newcastle officials will keep an eye on Todibo’s performance

However, Newcastle will hope his decent run of form comes to an end on Monday night.

Todibo will be up against the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, and they could help confirm Newcastle United ultimately made the right decision by coming out on top against the Frenchman.

If Todibo struggles, Newcastle officials will feel justified in their decision to opt against signing Todibo, despite Mitchell holding talks. It could be a similar situation to Axel Disasi, who seriously struggled at St James’ Park last month after Eddie Howe chose not to bring him in as an alternative to Marc Guehi.

In contrast, what will Paul Mitchell be thinking if Todibo impresses against Newcastle United in a West Ham shirt? It is certainly an interesting subplot ahead of Monday night’s game.