Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Newcastle ‘very interested’ in quality Dortmund midfielder as Eddie Howe dreams big
Newcastle are reportedly on the trail of Borussia Dortmund star Mahmoud Dahoud, according to trusted German journalist Patrick Berger.
The Magpies are on the transfer warpath and have already strengthened their pool with the capture of Kieran Trippier. The £12m signing from Atletico Madrid represents a big upgrade in the right-back department for Eddie Howe’s side.
However, if they are to avoid a return to the Championship, the club know the next 20 days in the transfer window are crucial. To that end, Newcastle are prepping a huge third offer for defender Sven Botman.
The Magpies though are also keen on more recruits. As such, Howe reportedly has permission to bring in up to four signings this month.
And with plans afoot for bolstering both his defence and attack, Howe next wants to turn to his midfield.
As a result, reports earlier on Tuesday suggested the Magpies are looking to bring a familiar face back to England from China.
And while such a deal would not face too many hurdles, the next name on their agenda in Dahoud certainly shows ambition.
The 26-year-old midfielder is viewed as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga. However, his current deal expires in summer 2023, making Dortmund vulnerable to his sale.
He is in talks over an extension, but as yet, no agreement has been reached.
As a result, Sport1 journalist Berger claims Newcastle are monitoring his situation and preparing a move.
He writes: ‘Mo Dahoud is wanted by some Premier League. Especially Newcastle United are very interested. The midfielder is on the NUFC wishlist but he is not interested in a winter move.
‘He is very happy at BVB so far.’
Mahmoud Dahoud one for the summer
As Berger indicates, the chances of a January swoop for Mahmoud Dahoud look unlikely for Newcastle.
However, come the summer there’s an expectation that – assuming Newcastle are still a Premier League side – they will launch a huge approach for the two-times capped Germany midfielder.
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Dahoud currently earns around £78,000 a week at Dortmund so can expect a giant payhike next time around. Whether that comes from Dortmund or overseas with a club like Newcastle remains to be seen.
But there’s no doubting that a player of his quality is someone who could significantly improve the Newcastle midfield next season.
Newcastle working on Sven Botman transfer
Newcastle, meanwhile, are considering whether to make a third offer for Botman after a huge second bid for the player – reportedly worth £29.2m – was rejected by Lille.
The Netherlands Under-21 defender has a big admirer in Howe – but prising him from Lille is proving a difficult task.
Indeed, having seen an opening bid of around £25m rejected, Howe and Co remain undeterred.
Now, RMC Sport via Sport Witness, reports Newcastle have come back with a second approach worth £29.2m (€35m).
However, once again for the Magpies, that has fallen on deaf ears as far as Lille are concerned.
Now, the French outlet claims Newcastle are pondering whether to make a final offer worth £33.4m (€40m). The fee would comfortably smash Newcastle’s record money spent on a defender.
That currently stands at just £14.85m used to lure Jamal Lewis from Norwich back in summer 2020.
And should Lille accept the offer, Botman would emerge as second only to the rejuvenated Joelinton as Newcastle’s costliest-ever player.
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