Newcastle United were potentially dealt a double blow in the defeat to Liverpool yesterday as defender Sven Botman limped off with injury.
His withdrawal came just before Darwin Nunez scored Liverpool’s late winner, and Newcastle had somehow lost against 10 men having dominated the game.
Eddie Howe has since admitted that it “doesn’t look good” for the 23-year-old and given that centre-back was arguably Newcastle’s thinnest position of the squad in terms of depth, they may be tempted to re-enter the transfer market.
Journalist Simon Jones has now reported in the Daily Mail that Manchester United defender Harry Maguire could be an option for Newcastle depending on how bad Botman’s injury is.
The defender turned down a £30m move to West Ham earlier in the window, but the 30-year-old could be tempted by the allure of Champions League football at Newcastle.
“The England defender is open to leaving for more first-team football before the deadline and there is expected to be renewed interest in the next few days from West Ham while Everton and Newcastle could come into the picture depending on injuries,” Jones claimed.
Should Newcastle move for Maguire?
The nature of any proposed deal will be crucial in deciding whether Newcastle should move for a 30-year-old who is out of form and out of favour at his club.
If Botman’s injury is a long-term one, then Maguire could slot in as an experienced left-sided centre-back who could thrive under Eddie Howe, but the finances of a deal could be an issue.
If Newcastle are able to secure a loan deal for him, that could be the ideal move. Maguire can provide solid cover whilst Botman is out, with the Dutchman taking his place once he returns.
Erik ten Hag described Maguire as “dominant,” and given his physique and strength in the air, he could be a good temporary replacement for Botman, and given the increasing English core under Howe, he could fit well with the rest of the Newcastle squad.
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