What people in Germany are saying about Edmond Tapsoba potentially joining Newcastle United

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Newcastle United have identified Edmond Tapsoba as an alternative to Marc Guehi, but there might be an issue.

The Magpies are scrambling to sign a centre-back before the transfer window closes on August 30th, and their desperation grew last week when Fabian Schar was sent off.

He will now serve a three-match ban, despite Mike Dean admitting that Schar’s red card was soft.

Regardless, he is now unavailable, with Emil Krafth set to fill in. Schar’s absence shows how light Newcastle United are at the back, and explains why Paul Mitchell is trying his best to sign a centre-back.

Marc Guehi is the top target, but Newcastle do have alternatives if a deal with Crystal Palace is not possible.

It has been reported that Newcastle are interested in Edmond Tapsoba and Axel Disasi, and it is the former who would be the more exciting addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Update on Newcastle United’s interest in Edmond Tapsoba

However, it sounds like a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen defender could be just as challenging as the Guehi transfer.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who has taken to his YouTube channel to share what he has heard about the Tapsoba situation from sources in Germany.

“Newcastle have actually opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen in the shape of an enquiry for their defender Edmond Tapsoba,” he said.

“There seems to be different information I’m getting on this.

“I’m hearing from sources in Germany that the player is not for sale and he has actually given them his word already that he plans to stay this summer.

“From my own sources on the ground here in the North East, I’m told that Newcastle have made an enquiry and some talks have taken place behind the scenes regarding the availability of the Burkina Faso international defender.”

Tapsoba is another overly ambitious target for Newcastle United

Downie is hearing from Germany that Tapsoba does not want to leave Bayer Leverkusen, and you can understand why.

The 25-year-old is on the back of an incredible season, having won the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. It was almost a treble too, with Bayer Leverkusen losing the Europa League final to Atalanta.

But Xabi Alonso’s side will be in the Champions League, as Tapsoba prepares to compete in Europe’s biggest competition.

In that respect, a move to Newcastle United is not majorly appealing. Instead, it sounds like Tapsoba has given Leverkusen his word that he will remain at the BayArena.

On top of that, there would be the price. Newcastle have been struggling to agree a fee for Guehi, and it would be the same with the Burkina Faso international.

Tapsoba has an £81million release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract, which puts him out of the Magpies’ price range.

In that respect, Tapsoba feels like another Toon target that is overly ambitious. While he is an exciting target, it would be extremely challenging to agree a deal – especially so close to the transfer window closing.

Fortunately for Newcastle, it sounds like their pursuit of alternatives may have brought the Marc Guehi deal back to life.

It has been reported that Newcastle have held more talks with Crystal Palace over Guehi, and there is now fresh hope of an agreement.