Newcastle United have reportedly shown late interest in Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria.
The Magpies are still looking to bring in new recruits before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline. Eddie Howe has been in the market for a new centre-midfielder, especially since Jonjo Shelvey could be out of action until after the World Cup.
Talk of moves for Conor Gallagher and Edson Alvarez have gone cold, but a new name has emerged on the club’s radar on deadline day. However, it doesn’t look like this deal is a goer either.
Newcastle interested in Zakaria
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have enquired about loaning Zakaria from Juventus.
The Switzerland international joined the Turin giants in January, despite rumoured interest from the Magpies.
It looks as though he’s back on the club’s radar, but once again a move to Newcastle is not on the horizon. Hope adds that he is ‘told that isn’t happening’ with regards to Zakaria moving to Tyneside.
That’s a shame, as the 25-year-old would have been an exciting addition to Howe’s squad. He’s a box-to-box midfielder who can travel with the ball and drive his team up the pitch, which would make him a good fit at Newcastle.
However, a deal isn’t on the cards today. That will disappoint Zakaria’s international teammate Fabian Schar, who no doubt would have enjoyed playing alongside his fellow countryman.
Instead, Newcastle will look elsewhere. But it’s good to know the club are still actively pursuing a centre-midfielder.
While our current options are good, we could do with a bit more depth given Shelvey’s injury. Zakaria would have provided that, and would have allowed Bruno Guimaraes to play in a more advanced role.
Another position Newcastle could look to strengthen is right-back given Emil Krafth’s injury. He could be out for the season after getting stretchered off last week against Tranmere.
The Daily Mail state that West Ham youngster Harrison Ashby is an option for the Magpies. Hope writes that he is ‘still on radar’ for Newcastle.