Newcastle transfer news: Magpies target ‘fantastic’ £8.9m defender

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A new name is being linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer, with Atalanta’s Joakim Maehle reportedly a target for the Magpies.

Eddie Howe is keen to sign a left-back ahead of next season, as he searches for an upgrade on Dan Burn and Matt Targett.

Kieran Tierney is the most heavily linked, with a recent report stating that Newcastle are confident about bringing him to St James’ Park.

However, there are other targets in his position. Renan Lodi has been rumoured, after the Magpies missed out on signing him last summer.

And now Maehle is reportedly on Howe’s radar. He is a player who England fans might remember after facing Denmark in the semi-final of Euro 2020. Ian Wright was very impressed with him during that tournament, describing him as ‘fantastic‘.

Newcastle interested in Joakim Maehle

According to 90min, Newcastle are interested in Maehle. The report adds that Juventus are also keen after failing to sign him in January.

The Denmark international has been with Atalanta since January 2021, when he arrived for £8.9million from Genk.

Now he is being linked with an exit, with the Italian side likely to make a profit on the 25-year-old. He was rumoured to be on the move last summer, when it was claimed that he could cost £15million. Back then he reportedly wanted to join West Ham, but now Newcastle could come calling.

For a fee of around £15miliion, he would be a very affordable option for Newcastle. It has been claimed that the Magpies could have a transfer budget of £150million if they qualify for the Champions League.

Maehle is a versatile player, and that could make him very appealing for Howe, who appreciates players who can operate in multiple roles. While he is right-footed, he predominantly plays on the left of defence. He can also operate on the right.

However, one concern would be his suitability to a back four. He is a wing-back for Atalanta, given licence to get forward at will. That cavalier approach could leave Newcastle light at the back – especially if he were to come in for Burn, who sometimes operates as a third centre-back.