Not just Smit: Newcastle looking to sign midfielder who’s “Premier League-ready”

Newcastle United have now reportedly set their sights on hijacking West Ham United’s move to sign a midfield star who’s been described as “Premier League-ready”.

Howe admits it was "too easy" for Leverkusen in draw

Not for the first time this season, Newcastle very nearly had the perfect evening. The Magpies came from behind to lead Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the Champions League and looked destined to seal what would have been a crucial victory with qualification in mind. All it took was one lapse in concentration for Alejandro Grimaldo to find an equaliser, however, to spoil yet another night late on.

Eddie Howe admitted that Grimaldo’s equaliser was “too easy” as he reflected on what could have been, telling reporters: “Goals happen in games and we haven’t defended well enough today. It was too easy for them to go through the middle of our defence [for the second goal].

“I wasn’t happy at half-time, not so much with the performance but there was a real lack of belief that we could score. You have to make things happen and really believe internally. Off the ball, we were getting close to them but not in that final yard.

“It leaves us in a good position [to qualify in the top eight]. It leaves it in our hands but we have two tough games to come. All we can do is focus back onto the Premier League where we are in a decent vein of form.”

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Up next for Newcastle is the small matter of the Tyne-Wear derby, which is simply a must-win game for Howe’s side. In their first Premier League meeting with Sunderland since 2016, the Magpies should be desperate to come out on top.

Victory would also do their European ambitions no harm, which could of course help their transfer ambitions when 2026 arrives.

Newcastle eyeing Tochukwu Nnadi move

As reported by TeamTalk, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Tochukwu Nnadi in a deal that would hijack West Ham’s pursuit of the Zulte Waregem midfielder.

The Hammers are reportedly preparing a bid worth €4m (£3.5m) in the January transfer window, but the interest of both Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion could yet ruin their plans.

As per TeamTalk, scouts have described the midfielder as “explosive” and someone who is now “Premier League-ready”.

If that is the case, then Newcastle could look to land a bargain deal and end their chase to sign a midfield reinforcement without truly splashing the cash.

It’s been no secret that those at St James’ Park are looking to welcome additions at the heart of Howe’s side. The likes of Kees Smit have emerged as transfer targets as a result. Yet, given the amount of interest in the young Dutchman, Nnadi could yet become a serious option.

For the time being, West Ham remain in the driving seat to secure the 22-year-old, but Newcastle’s position as a Champions League team should give them the edge if they push on and make their move.

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