Journalist shocked Newcastle have not tried to sign £27m player who’s about to move

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Newcastle United’s centre-back search remains ongoing, as Paul Mitchell weighs up who to bring to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have already signed Lloyd Kelly this summer, with the 25-year-old arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

He should prove to be an astute bit of business, but it will not be the end of Newcastle United‘s defensive recruitment drive.

After missing out on Tosin Adarabioyo, Newcastle are still looking for a right-sided centre-back. The Magpies have a £100million transfer budget, and you would imagine that a third of it will go towards signing Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement.

That is the goal, with Malick Thiaw heavily linked with joining Newcastle. He appears to be the leading candidate to arrive, but talk of a deal with AC Milan has gone quiet.

Former Newcastle target Jean-Clair Todibo on the move

Meanwhile, a former Newcastle United target in Jean-Clair Todibo looks set to be on the move.

The Nice defender has the chance to sign for West Ham on loan then permanently for £27million, with Julen Lopetegui’s side agreeing a deal to sign the Frenchman. However, it has been reported that he would rather sign for Serie A giants Juventus.

The Italian side are yet to agree a deal for Todibo, and HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he is surprised Newcastle are not looking at the 24-year-old.

“I’m surprised they were not in the mix to sign Jean-Clair Todibo,” he said.

“West Ham thought they had him over the line, but he could now be going to Juventus.

“In theory, that could mean a centre-back leaves Juventus. It might mean Gatti or Dean Huijsen is available. However, it does not seem like Huijsen wants to come to England.”

Newcastle looking elsewhere after wanting Todibo in 2023

In recent years, Newcastle have been regularly linked with Todibo. He was reported as a target last year, with Newcastle considering making him Sven Botman’s long-term partner.

Newcastle continued to scout Todibo, but the Magpies have not been mentioned as a possible suitor since the turn of the year.

That is surprising given Newcastle’s desire to sign a centre-back, but they obviously have their eye on someone else – most likely Thiaw.

But one man who will probably not arrive is Dean Huijsen, according to Bailey. Huijsen has also been linked with Newcastle, but does not find the prospect of playing and living England massively appealing.

That is a shame, as Huijsen’s playing style is very similar to Fabian Schar’s.