3 minute learn
29/1/2023 | 09:15pm
Newcastle United are at present closing in on the signing of Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon with deadline day looming, though that late transfer for the Englishman might not be the top of the Magpies’ winter spending, with reviews in France suggesting that Lille’s Tiago Djalo may be a doable goal this month.
In response to Foot Mercato, the Tynesiders are keen on signing the 22-year-old earlier than the top of the window, with the centre-back at present going through an unsure future with the Ligue 1 aspect with simply 18 months left on his present deal.
The report means that sporting director Dan Ashworth is ‘prepared to supply’ a price of greater than €20m (£18m) with a view to prise the Portuguese starlet from Stade Pierre-Mauroy, having beforehand signed Sven Botman from the French outfit through the summer time.
The versatile ace – who also can characteristic at left-back – has been at his present aspect since becoming a member of from AC Milan again in 2019, having additionally beforehand been on the books at Sporting Lisbon – albeit with out making a first-team look for both of his former employers.
Most Learn on FootballFanCast.com
As expertise scout Jacek Kulig predicted, these two golf equipment have possible been left to “remorse” their resolution to maneuver the 6 foot 3 titan on up to now, with the “dominant” defender – as per Kulig – at present shining at Lille.
The present marketing campaign has confirmed significantly spectacular for the Portugal U21 worldwide, as he has netted twice in 18 league video games, whereas additionally showcasing his defensive prowess after averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.5 tackles per recreation in that point.
The teenager’s high quality can be laid naked by his statistical and stylistic similarities to Inter Milan colossus, Milan Skriniar, as per FBref, with that of curiosity to these at St James’ Park because the latter man has seemingly been a goal for Ashworth and co in current occasions.
As 90min revealed earlier this month, the northeast aspect had been named as one in every of a handful of golf equipment who had been ‘anticipated’ to make a suggestion for the Slovakia worldwide, whereas reviews in Italy instructed again in December that he was a agency goal for the top-four hopefuls.
With the 27-year-old now seemingly on his technique to Paris Saint-Germain, nonetheless, Eddie Howe should look elsewhere for an acceptable centre-back various, therefore turning Djalo as a great match to bolster the backline.
That likeness between the pair is illustrated by the truth that they each present actual high quality in possession, with Djalo notably rating within the prime 9% amongst these in his place for go completion, whereas Skriniar ranks within the prime 7% in that very same metric.
Such high quality on the ball can be showcased by the truth that the Inter machine averages 0.43 progressive passes obtained per recreation for example his potential to spark assaults from deep, whereas the youthful man is barely barely behind as he averages 0.30 in that regard.
Skriniar – who additionally stands at 6 foot 3 – has additionally loved the same document within the league this season to that of Djalo, as he has averaged 2.2 clearances and 1.5 tackles per recreation from his 19 Serie A appearances, proving that the 2 males are firmly alike each in possession, but additionally attributable to their ball-winning potential.
That ought to point out that Newcastle can discover a great various for the PSG-bound sensation within the type of Djalo.