Newcastle United are reportedly one ‘to watch’ in the race to sign Youri Tielemans this summer.
The Leicester City midfielder looks certain to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, with his contract due to expire.
Tielemans is on course to become a free agent, and that could make him a great option for Newcastle when the transfer window reopens.
The Magpies are set to be in the market for a centre-midfielder, having failed to bring one in last month. Eddie Howe decided to wait until the summer to bring in one of the club’s top targets, and Tielemans could fit the bill.
He was on Newcastle’s radar during January. It was reported at the start of the month by the Telegraph that he was on our shortlist alongside Brighton star Moises Caicedo.
Neither player moved clubs during January, and look likely to be on the move in the coming months.
Tielelmans’ situation is particularly interesting given his contract status, and reporter Ben Jacobs has hinted that he could be an affordable option for a club like Newcastle.
Ben Jacobs on Youri Tielemans’ wage demands
Jacobs has been speaking to Give Me Sport, and provided an update on Tielemans’ future.
“There’ll be plenty of clubs looking at Youri Tielemans. Newcastle are another Premier League club to watch,” he said.
“And there’s even, I think, some interest from La Liga and the Bundesliga too in Tielemans because as soon as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, then ultimately, these type of clubs not only see a bargain because they don’t have to pay a fee, but Tielemans’ wages, by Premier League standards, are relatively modest as well.”
Leicester ace is one to watch for Newcastle
Jacobs’ claim about Tielemans’ wage demands is interesting given what has previously been reported about the 25-year-old.
Arsenal reportedly walked away from signing the midfielder last summer because he wanted too much money. Meanwhile, the Athletic reported during January that Newcastle were put off a move for the Foxes star due to his wage demands.
So something doesn’t add up. Both Arsenal and Newcastle have distanced themselves from the player because of money, despite Jacobs saying that his wage requirements are ‘relatively modest’.
Wages will be the big thing for Tielemans this summer, given that he is on track to be available on a free. He will be well-placed to command more money because teams are making a saving by not forking out a huge transfer fee.
He is a player who will no doubt continue to be on Newcastle’s radar. If they can agree a deal that suits Tielemans and fits within the club’s wage structure then he would be an excellent signing. He is a top class midfielder who would add even more quality to Howe’s squad – even if he did struggle on his last appearance at St James’ Park.
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