Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Newcastle January approach revealed with Eddie Howe’s side still in the hunt for Bundesliga star
A report has detailed Newcastle United’s approach for Filip Kostic in January, and the Magpies remain in the hunt to sign him this summer.
Kostic has been at Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt since July 2019. He has been one of their most influential players while operating on the left flank.
The 29-year-old is versatile, as he can play at wing-back, left midfield or left wing. He has featured 23 times for Frankfurt this season, notching three goals and 10 assists.
Kostic put in a top performance against Bayern Munich in October as Frankfurt ran out 2-1 winners, despite being underdogs. The Serbian registered a goal and an assist at the Allianz Arena.
Kostic is clearly valuable to Frankfurt, although he is attracting interest from teams across the continent.
According to German outlet Bild, as cited by Sport Witness, Newcastle were hoping to land him during January.
They made an approach to Kostic and his entourage over a switch to St James’ Park. The player ‘cancelled’ the opportunity as he had his sights set on a transfer to Italy.
Filip Kostic failed to secure Italy move
But with potential suitors Inter snapping up Robin Gosens from Atalanta instead, Newcastle remains the most likely destination for Kostic.
According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side will return for him once the transfer window re-opens. They could submit an enticing bid to Frankfurt thanks to their big spending power.
Arsenal and Tottenham both want Evan Ndicki from Eintracht Frankfurt
Arsenal and Tottenham both looking at France defender Evan Ndicki from Eintracht Frankfurt
But a transfer will ultimately rest on Kostic’s willingness to join. He is ambitious and wants to play in the Champions League regularly, although that is a few years off for Newcastle.
They took a big step away from the relegation zone on Tuesday by beating Everton 3-1 at home. The Magpies’ next game is against Aston Villa on Sunday.
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Newcastle have rivals for striker signing
Hugo Ekitike may be justified in his decision to turn down Newcastle United in January, because reports reveal the Magpies have now been joined by a whole host of rivals for his signature.
Newcastle signed one striker in their first transfer window since their Saudi-backed takeover. But the new owners wanted to pair Chris Wood with a younger reinforcement too. In that regard, Hugo Ekitike was the talent they were chasing.
The teenager is in the midst of a breakout season for Ligue 1 side Reims. After returning to the club in the summer from a loan spell, he has kicked on with nine goals from 19 league games this season.
Newcastle’s interest remains for the summer, by which time they will either have secured Premier League safety or dropped into the Championship.
But they will also be fending off plenty of competition from elsewhere for Ekitike. According to 90min, all of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ have been scouting him.
And in addition to Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, several other sides are also keeping tabs on him. Among that group are West Ham and Leicester City.
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