Newcastle United have ‘always admired’ Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.
Tielemans has long been tipped to depart the King Power Stadium, and Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs to have been credited with an interest in him.
Newcastle United transfer news – Youri Tielemans
A report from The Athletic earlier this month revealed that Newcastle’s priority in the January transfer window is to bring in a new ‘number six’ to sit at the base of their midfield.
It’s claimed that Tielemans and Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo have been ‘extensively watched’ by Eddie Howe’s charges as they continue to assess their options.
Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Kouadio Kone and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez have also been listed as players currently on Newcastle’s radar.
Tielemans has entered the final six months of his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester, though, meaning he could be available in a cut-price deal.
The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be among the Belgium international’s potential suitors.
What has Jacobs said about Tielemans?
Jacobs has disclosed to GMS that Tielemans’ admirers were ‘very much put off’ by Leicester’s valuation over the summer, so any potential transfer this month may depend on the Foxes’ stance.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “Newcastle have always admired the player, but these types of suitors over the summer were very much put off by Leicester sticking to their valuation.
“They wanted above £30 million, even close to £35 million with add-ons included because that was what they paid for Youri Tielemans. So, at worst, Leicester wanted to break even, now that's not going to be possible.”
Do Newcastle need Tielemans?
Newcastle are defying expectations at this moment in time and are firmly in the race for a top-four finish after some fine work by Howe on the training ground coupled with smart recruitment.
The north east outfit’s engine room usually consists of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton alongside one of Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff.
Meanwhile, Jonjo Shelvey has endured an injury-stricken campaign and has now been linked with a surprise move to Turkish giants Besiktas.
It comes as little surprise, therefore, that Newcastle are contemplating making an attempt to add Tielemans to their midfield options, and the FA Cup winner could add a touch of class to their engine room should he make the switch.