Newcastle United have been linked with Oscar Mingueza for some time now, but they better make a move fast unless they want to be usurped by their divisional rivals.
It’s no secret Eddie Howe wants a new full-back at Newcastle this month, but we’ve not heard a lot of noise when it comes to potential targets.
You can sign ONE defender in January, who are you taking? ✍️
Still, with Kieran Trippier nearing the end of his Newcastle United career, and Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall regularly out injured, Howe needs reinforcements sooner rather than later.
Lewis Miley has done a great job filling in at right-back for the past few weeks, but he may not have to do that much longer if the Magpies do swoop for Mingueza.
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Aston Villa join the race for Oscar Mingueza
According to a report from Caught Offside, Newcastle are not the only team keeping tabs on the Celta Vigo defender.
With Mingueza’s current contract expiring in six months, it’s thought the Spanish side would now be open to letting the 26-year-old go in January for a cut-price deal.
They do have some hope of getting him to sign a new contract, but would rather make some money rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
Newcastle are keen, but so are Aston Villa and West Ham. It’s believed the Magpies could offer Mingueza a better financial package, but there is also interest overseas from the likes of Marseille, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Como to consider.
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Oscar Mingueza is the ideal option for Eddie Howe
While Mingueza’s main position is at right-back, he is versatile enough to play at centre-half as part of a back four or a back three. It’s that flexibility that will really appeal to Eddie Howe.
Plus, throw in the fact he would be available for a reduced fee, and Newcastle would hardly have to make a dent in the £100m PIF has pledged for the January transfer budget.
Given so few names have been mentioned in relation to Newcastle in the full-back area, it would be quite concerning if they missed out on Mingueza. Who knows, maybe the club is scouting out various other options in the background?
But, Mingueza is good enough, versatile enough, cheap enough, and ready for the taking. Ross Wilson should act decisively and give Howe what he needs as quickly as possible before other clubs can steal a march.
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