Blow for Eddie Howe as Unai Emery opens talks to sign Newcastle United target for Aston Villa

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Paul Mitchell needs to make an impact in the January transfer window with Newcastle United in need of signings.

It looks as if failings from the summer transfer window have followed Newcastle into the January market. As we enter the midway point of the window, there have been no signings made for Newcastle’s first-team.

While there’s still a good chunk of the window to go, fans may be starting to get restless. The Magpies have been linked with many players – the belief is that Howe wants more quality in three areas. Although not one of them, Newcastle are looking at signing a centre-back.

Marc Guehi nearly joined Newcastle in the summer, but several bids were knocked back by Crystal Palace where the Englishman remains.

In January, RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov was tipped to join Newcastle. He has since agreed to join Manchester City.

Aston Villa have been a thorn in Newcastle’s side in the last week. On Monday it was announced that Donyell Malen had snubbed Newcastle for Villa.

Now, it looks as if Newcastle are about to miss out on yet another defensive target, once again to Unai Emery and Aston Villa.

Loic Bade in talks with Aston Villa amid Newcastle links

Sevilla defender Loic Bade was linked to Newcastle earlier in the season as Mitchell for Guehi alternatives. The French defender has made 15 La Liga appearances so far this season and would be considered a long-term replacement for Fabian Schar due to his age.

Bade is only 24 – his right footedness means he would be the right fit to partner Sven Botman for seasons to come.

Reports on Sunday suggested Bade could cost Newcastle £20million in January despite having a £42m release clause in his contract.

According to L’Equipe, Villa have made contact with Sevilla over a move for the defender who is under contract until 2029.

Bade had a fantastic 2024 helping the French Olympic squad to a silver medal – with Sevilla 13th in La Liga, he could look to move away in pursuit of more European football.

Bade compared to Newcastle centre-backs

Despite talks between Villa and Sevilla, the door isn’t completely closed for Newcastle. The two clubs have only just entered discussions so a deal is far from agreed.

Bade trumps almost everyone across the board. Schar only just completes more passes and interceptions – a sign that Bade is a worthy contender to take over from the Swiss international should he depart.

Newcastle are working on a new contract for Schar, but his age means it most likely won’t be a long-term deal.

Mitchell’s search for a suitable centre-back continues, fans will be hoping it comes in sooner rather than later.