Despite the success of Newcastle United’s defensive line last season, Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to strengthen.
Joachim Andersen and Harry Maguire are some of the biggest names linked with a move to the club this summer, with the increased number of games likely to put a strain on Howe’s squad next season.
While little about the defensive quartet’s form last season suggested there was any need for a change, reinforcement is always nice.
To that end, Torino centre-back Perr Schuurs has been linked.
The Dutchman has been touted as a potential Newcastle target this summer and there has been a fresh update.
Perr Schuurs could be priced out of a transfer
Indeed, Newcastle aren’t the only club reportedly keen.
According to the Evening Standard, all of Liverpool, West Ham and Crystal Palace are interested in signing the 23-year-old, although there is something of a problem.
They claim Torino’s asking price of £34.2m is proving prohibitive and, despite interest from a number of clubs, no official bid has been made.
As it stands, such a high valuation is said to be seen as a stumbling block to interested parties.
The player himself has previously hinted he could leave Italian football, saying: “I don’t know if I’m staying.
“My agents and the club are evaluating the offers that have arrived.”
Nothing new for Newcastle
Schuurs, hailed as “incredible” by pundit Kenneth Perez, is the latest player Newcastle are seemingly interested in to have been hit with a huge price tag.
Earlier this week, the Daily Telegraph claimed there were behind-the-scenes discussions about how much more money they could realistically spend, given FFP concerns and how much they’re being quoted for targets.
From a selling clubs’ perspective, it makes sense.
Teams know Newcastle are backed by PIF and have a Champions League campaign to prepare for, so why not try and take them to the cleaners?
All in all, it’s frustrating.
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