Newcastle reignite interest in January target as defender search hots up

Newcastle are back in the hunt for Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile as Eddie Howe looks to add a new central defender to his ranks this summer.

Howe is looking to make a number of additions at the end of the season and defenders are on the radar. Reports in Foot Mercato say the Magpies have reignited their interest in Badiashile. The 20-year-old was a target in the January window but a deal failed to materialise.

Newcastle were also chasing a deal for Sven Botman at the time. Neither deal came off and Howe will be hoping for more luck in the summer window.

Newcastle hoping for more luck

The report suggests that Monaco were unwilling to let Badiashile leave because they did not have a replacement lined up. That can often be the case in January as clubs do not have the time to sign adequate cover.

Newcastle will now be hoping that Monaco are more open to doing a deal. Their interest has not gone away and they will make another attempt, say Foot Mercato.

Badiashile has all the attributes to be a success in the Premier League. He stands at a towering 6ft 3in and likes to play out from the back. And after cutting the errors out of his game, is now the complete defender.

The youngster has made 114 appearances for Monaco, who are bracing themselves for more interest. Newcastle are not the only interested club either. Just like the Magpies, West Ham were also linked in January.

David Moyes is still in the hunt for a central defender and will compete for Badiashile’s signature.

Again just like in January much could depend on what happens with Botman. The Dutchman is said to be Howe’s number one defensive target. Indeed some reports claim that a fresh offer has gone in to Lille.

Botman still on the radar

If Lille agree to a deal then there is a good chance that Newcastle will drop their interest in Badiashile. Both Botman and Badiashile are valued at £34m and Howe will not be splashing out on both.

Both players are seen as good long-term investments and it is easy to see why Newcastle are interested.

Newcastle have doubts over the future of Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez. Hence the need for a new central defender. Sevilla defender Diego Carlos is also another option for Howe.

The 29-year-old Brazilian is another that is said to have slipped through the net in January.

READ MORE: Arsenal, Newcastle pushing ahead in Serie A midfielder transfer battle