While much of the talk around Newcastle United’s summer transfer business has centred around strengthening in midfield, it’s not the only area Eddie Howe is reportedly keen to bolster.
Indeed, Kieran Tierney has not been linked with a move to Newcastle for a while but was said to have been a key target reasonably recently.
Part of the thinking in regards to potentially signing the Arsenal defender is reportedly to push Dan Burn into a more central area next season.
In fact, Howe is seemingly so keen to bolster his options there that it’s not just Tierney on the radar.
Newcastle could move to sign Antonee Robinson
According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle are among the clubs keen to sign Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.
They claim the west London club are prepared to sell the American international this summer after Robinson refused to sign a new contract.
Fulham could demand as much as £35m for the 25-year-old, with Marseille also thought to be interested.
The report suggests both the Magpies and the French club are actively pursuing Robinson, who has previously caught the eye of Manchester City and AC Milan.
Robinson could add speed to Newcastle’s options
While speed is not the only thing to Robinson’s game, it’s hard to ignore.
In March, the Daily Mirror revealed the Fulham star was recorded as the sixth-fastest defender in the Premier League, even quicker than City and England favourite Kyle Walker.
Also in the leading 70 per centile of defenders playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for aerial dules won (1.17, via FBREF), clearances (2.42), blocks (1.43) and interceptions (1.54) on a per-game basis, Robinson looks fairly well-rounded.
With passers such as Bruno Guimaraes and perhaps Sandro Tonali in the team, those kind of quick runs down the flank could be a useful attacking outlet.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
