Newcastle United can sign international centre-back for just £20m after unexpected development

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On the pitch, Newcastle United are absolutely flying right now.

Seven consecutive victories could well become eight on Sunday when Newcastle host Bromley in the FA Cup, too.

Indeed, Eddie Howe has overseen quite the turnaround in form since publicly questioning his players for their attitude following the Premier League defeat at Brentford last month.

Howe’s side are in strong form and produced perhaps their most statement victory yet on Tuesday when they beat Arsenal 2-0 away in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

They are in a brilliant run of form and it’s exciting.

Still, that excitement may not yet spread to matters off the pitch.

A quiet January transfer window has been predicted and reports suggest Liverpool are in fact moving ahead in attempts to sign a defensive target.

Sevilla’s Loic Bade has been tipped as a player Newcastle like for a while now but the Reds could steal a march.

Loic Bade has price tag slashed from £50m to £20m

According to The Sun, the Merseyside giants have the chance to sign the Frenchman.

It’s said that both clubs have been monitoring the 24-year-old for a while now but the fact Newcastle are limited in terms of what they can spend this month could allow Liverpool in.

Bade is said to have a release clause worth around £50million but Sevilla’s need to sell may see them accept offers worth just £20million.

Why Newcastle do not need to sign a defender in January

Given just how hard the club went last summer in their attempts to sign Marc Guehi, it seems fair to suggest Newcastle think they need a defender at some point.

Still, it’s no longer a pressing need.

While it’s never nice to see a target potentially move to a rival – particularly at that kind of price – perhaps missing out on Bade isn’t too bad.

Sven Botman has returned from injury and is impressing. In fact, only the top three have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League than Newcastle all season (22).

Right now, they don’t need to strengthen their defence.