By admin 
Newcastle United are still looking for a centre-back three weeks before the summer transfer market closes.
According to two different sources this morning, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba is the club’s current ‘top target,’ ticking numerous boxes as a 24-year-old right-footed alternative with quickness and talent on the ball.
Spurs, on the other hand, are eager to recruit the Burkina Faso international because they have money to spend ahead of Harry Kane’s impending £100 million move to Bayern Munich.
Newcastle have a budget of roughly £40 million to spend on a new center-back and must decide whether to go all in for Tapsoba, given Tottenham’s continued interest, or pursue other choices. Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Joachim Andersen, who we might pursue if we are priced out of a move for the Bayer Leverkusen player, but Newcastle are unwilling to spend big money on the 27-year-old, who is presently valued at £40 million by Crystal Palace.
With Tapsoba now our main target, our centre-back chase is set to take up next week, when we’ll ascertain his preferences as well as Leverkusen’s asking price before committing to a formal move.
If that deal proves too expensive – a structured contract may be required to work within our FFP constraints – and Palace refuses to lower their Andersen demands, the club will look into other options. Andersen is thought to be an excellent like-for-like replacement for Fabian Schar, while there are some concerns about his lack of pace, which is a significant aspect of Tapsoba’s appeal and a vital trait we now need in defense.
Armel Bella-Kotchap of Southampton is one name that has been explored behind the scenes and proposed by sporting director Dan Ashworth. We had an exclusive on the German international back in June, with the towering 21-year-old another athletic, youthful, right-sided centre-back.
With a £25 million relegation release clause in his contract, he would cost far less than Tapsoba. However, Eddie Howe is believed to have misgivings about his readiness for first-team football at St James’ Park.
The Max Kilman links are also true, as Eddie Howe values his versatility to play at either centre-back or left-back, as well as his poise on the ball and Premier League experience.
Newcastle have also investigated Tosin Adarabioyo, who is due to leave Fulham before the September 1st deadline and provides the pace, mobility, and serenity in possession that Howe craves. He, like Bella-Kotchap, is one to keep an eye on if deals for Tapsoba and Andersen prove too costly.
Our remaining budget might be increased if high-earners like Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick, and Isaac Hayden are moved on, though Championship clubs interested would only pay a fraction of their salary, with Fraser earning £75,000 per week.