Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is really keen to bring Kieran Tierney to St James’ Park.
That is the view of Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who has provided an update on the Magpies’ pursuit of the Scottish left-back.
Howe is eager for the club to bring in one more player this summer, with a new left-back on the agenda. Newcastle have multiple options, but are being hindered by financial fair play.
That is forcing Newcastle to be creative in the transfer window, as they ponder moves for the likes of Tierney, Lewis Hall and Marc Cucurella. Another option has also emerged, with Toon officials keeping a close eye on Real Betis’ Juan Miranda.
But Tierney feels like the frontrunner at the moment. He looks set to leave Arsenal, and that is despite the Gunners losing Jurrien Timber to injury.
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Mikel Arteta appears to be ready to say goodbye to Tierney – it is just a case of whether it is on loan or permanently.
Keith Downie’s update on Newcastle wanting Kieran Tierney
Keith Downie has spoke on Sky Sports about Newcastle’s interest in Tierney, explaining the issues that the Magpies currently have. However, he is adamant that Howe wants the player at St James’ Park.
“Kieran Tierney at Arsenal is a player they have been interested in for some time,” he said.
“Contact has remained between Arsenal, Newcastle and Tierney’s representatives this summer. The problem being that Arsenal would prefer a permanent sale of Tierney.
“Newcastle, due to financial fair play regulations, do not have the money to put on the table right now. They would prefer a loan move with the option or obligation to make it permanent next summer.
“His skillset is one that Eddie Howe would really like to see at Newcastle United. There are other options for Newcastle at this stage. This could go right until the end of the transfer window as we see with loan deals, but certainly Kieran Tierney is a player who is one Newcastle’s wanted list.”
Eddie Howe eager to work with the Arsenal man
It is no surprise to hear that Howe believes Tierney has the skills to thrive in this Newcastle team. The Toon boss is very particular about who he signs, and will not add just anyone to his squad.
Tierney is a player who he has wanted for a while. Even when he was Bournemouth manager, Howe was keen to sign the Scotland international.
That was when he was with Celtic, before his £25million move to Arsenal. Now he could be on the move again, giving Howe a fresh chance to get the left-back he craves.
A deal will all depend on how flexible Arsenal are, and how much Howe wants Tierney compared to the other targets.
With a couple of weeks to go, it could be a very tense and exciting end to the summer transfer window for Newcastle United.