Newcastle United are reportedly readying a bumper new offer to land AS Monaco’s young centre-back Benoit Badiashile in the January transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Premier League big-spenders Newcastle United are set to return with an improved offer for AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile.
The Magpies are keen to add more steel to their backline in their efforts to ward off relegation. Newcastle are currently in the 19th spot and have won just once all season. It would be an understatement to claim that they will need all the help they can get to stave off relegation.
While the Tyneside club might have deep pockets, their immediate concerns have to be dealt with on the field than off it. They have already landed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood and are aiming to bring in Badiashile to boost the defence further.
A centre-back is on the agenda, and the 20-year-old AS Monaco man appears to be the target. Newcastle have already had a £33 million bid being rejected earlier this month. Undaunted, the Premier League club is set to hold fresh talks with the French outfit on Wednesday to iron out a deal for the defender.
The French giants, for their part, appear to be open to parting ways with Badiashile. Moreover, the player also seems keen to move to St. James’ Park. All that seems to be standing in the way is Monaco’s valuation. The Magpies will hope that their improved offer of £35 million plus will be enough to seal the deal.
Benoit Badiashile has been with the Ligue 1 giants since 2016 and has since made 105 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting thrice more. A potential world-class player, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the air and also with the ball at his feet. Apart from being a physical presence at the back, the 20-year-old is also technically adept and has the makings of a top-level modern defender.
Securing his signature will give the Magpies a dependable presence at the back for the upcoming do or die games and someone to build the defence around for the future. Newcastle have leaked goals consistently this season and have to do better than depend on Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar at the heart of their defence.
There is just under a fortnight to go before the January transfer window slams shut. Given Newcastle’s desperation, it is fair to say that Monaco hold the aces when it comes to negotiations. The Tyneside outfit will do well to pay up and land their man, given what is at stake.
