Newcastle United were at one point said to be interested in Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez but now as their attentions turn elsewhere, another Premier League side is making their move.
According to a report in inews, Fulham are said to be preparing a bid for £30million-rated defender Roger Ibanez who currently plies his trade at Roma under Jose Mourinho.
In fact, at one point Mourinho claimed that Ibanez’ place in his side was ‘untouchable‘ but now it seems that is no longer the case.
Newcastle were offered Roger Ibanez but Fulham are preparing a bid
As inews reports, Newcastle were originally offered the chance to sign Ibanez, but due to working within a tight budget, opted not to take up the offer and are now looking elsewhere with Crystal Palace‘s Joachim Andersen high on the list.
While Newcastle have stepped aside, Tottenham, Fulham and clubs from the Saudi Pro League remain interested with Fulham reportedly readying a bid. Ibanez would be a fantastic signing for Fulham and all the sweeter if they can beat Tottenham to his signature.
Meanwhile Newcastle are biding their time before making their next move with Harvey Barnes edging closer to a move and the general consensus being that he will signify the end of any incoming activity until Newcastle manage to move a couple of players on.
Newcastle could be putting out the FFP rumours themselves to dampen expectations
Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin look the most likely to be sacrificed along with Karl Darlow who has attracted interest from several clubs.
It’s all just rumours and guess-work at this point, as we know, but with so many reports claiming Newcastle are running out of FFP wiggle room, there must be an element of truth to it … or the club are putting that information out into the populous to dampen expectations.
We won’t know the real answer until the transfer window closes in under 49 days time. There are still many twists and turns to come.
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