Newcastle make first contact to sign £30m centre-back who can be ‘reckless in training’

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Newcastle United have made an enquiry about the availability of Southampton’s centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap this summer.

With Newcastle looking to add several players to their ranks this summer it’s understood that they will have to box clever in the transfer market to get the numbers in they need without breaching Financial Fair Play.

It makes sense, then, that the Magpies would look to the clubs relegated last season to pick off those who are deemed too good for the Championship.

Newcastle want Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap

According to 90mins, Newcastle haven’t wasted any time contacting Southampton about their recently capped German international defender Armel Bella-Kotchap.

The 21-year-old received a surprise call-up to the German side last year and has made two appearances for his country.

Bella-Kotchap still has three years remaining on his Southampton contract and the club have slapped a £30million price tag on him. He arrived at Southampton from German side Bochum last summer after guiding them into the Bundesliga. He cost Southampton just £10million.

He made 26 appearances for the Saints last season, providing two assists along the way, but wasn’t able to prevent the South Coast club from finishing rock bottom of the Premier League.

Bochum goalkeeper, Manuel Reimann praised Bella-Kotchap’s ability but pointed out a minor flaw saying: “The lad’s a special case. He’s really good. Fast, tall and two-footed. He can still be a bit reckless in training though!”

Taking out the recklessness in training, he definitely sounds like a handy player, hopefully that reckless streak has been coached out of him during his time at Southampton.

Southampton want three times what they paid for Bella-Kotchap last year

Either way, I’m sure that Eddie Howe could soon put that right.

It’s difficult to judge how good a defender is when their side was second-best in the majority of games, but at just 21 and already representing Germany, there’s clearly a lot of potential there. Whether he’s worth £30million is up to Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe to decide.

If they can knock the price down then he could be a good shout, but I’m not convinced that he’s tripled in value in a year playing in a relegated side.