Now that Newcastle United are fighting in the upper echelons of the Premier League, it’s safe to say the club is shopping in different markets.
Gone are the days of Mike Ashley refusing to pay a loan fee for Hamza Choudhury. Backed by PIF’s money and huge ambition, Newcastle now look like they are ready to take on the world.
Indeed, St James’ Park is being touted as a potential landing spot for players already performing in the Champions League.
So much so, in fact, that the club reportedly had scouts in attendance during Wednesday night’s semi-final, the Milan derby.
Newcastle scout AC Milan star
According to FC Inter News, the Magpies were casting keen eyes over AC Milan and England defender Fikayo Tomori.
The report suggests Eddie Howe is keen to sign a central defender capable of playing on the left-hand channel and has identified Tomori as a potential target.
Presumably, that would be to act as cover and competition for Sven Botman, who has operated there all season.
They also claim Newcastle are “already working” on plans to strengthen their squad ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer in the transfer market for the club.
Tough night for Tomori against Inter
Reports suggesting Newcastle are keen on Tomori are nothing new.
Still, the 25-year-old hardly covered himself in glory inside San Siro.
While the former Chelsea defender boasts a big reputation and was hailed as “very brave” by Rio Ferdinand after his decision to move to Milan, it was hardly the best night of his career.
Handed a 5/10 by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sempre Milan) for his performance, Milan’s defence crumbled in the opening stages of their 2-0 loss to their rivals.
Though it’s hard to imagine scouts making a definitive judgement on the basis of one performance, it was not a great showing.
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