Newcastle, Fulham battling for £8m World Cup defender

Newcastle have been alerted to the availability of Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to reports.

Tagliafico is ready to leave Ajax after just five months, with Newcastle and Fulham lining up bids for the 25-year-old, according to The Sun.

And the player, who has been compared to Argentina legend Javier Zanetti, could be available for just £8m this summer, with the pair battling with Wolfsburg and Schalke for his signature.

The former Independiente man made 15 appearances for Ajax since moving to the Eredivisie in January, scoring once. He featured in all of Argentina’s games at the World Cup, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by eventual champions France.

Ajax have brought in Manchester United’s Daley Blind this summer, which could push Tagliafico down the pecking order. Hence, the player is ready for a new challenge.

Newcastle have already signed Swiss World Cup defender Fabian Schar, Ki Sung-Yueng and Martin Dubravka, as well as renewing their Kenedy loan, whilst Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto is set to be the next addition.