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Medical underway after Newcastle United £19m Leeds United transfer hijack claim
Newcastle United have been linked with several names in their centre-back search.
Newcastle United have been linked with a late move for Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol – but he’s set to join Leeds United.
Signing a centre-back is a priority for the Magpies this summer having 12 months ago failed to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The England international was a top target for Eddie Howe but Palace’s £70million price tag priced United out of a move.
With Jamaal Lascelles sidelined with an ACL injury and Sven Botman suffering from various knee issues across the campaign, Newcastle were fortunate that both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn remained fit as they secured Champions League qualification.
But with Schar and Burn both 33 and a lack of depth a potential issue ahead of a busy season, Howe is keen to bolster his backline,
Guehi remains a target and there is hope Palace will lower their demands as the player enters the final 12 months of his contract. Newcastle have also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke but his price tag will likely be similar to Guehi’s last summer.
Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande has also been tracked, according to the Daily Telegraph. Now there is a new name to add to the mix, although it is set to be short-lived.
