Defender on Newcastle radar after standout Inter Milan season | OneFootball

Newcastle Step Up Pursuit of Bisseck Amidst Defensive Reshuffle

Bisseck Emerges as Key Defensive Target

Newcastle United are weighing up a serious move for Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck, as the club aims to reinforce its defensive ranks ahead of another European campaign. According to NUFC Blog, the Magpies have monitored the 24-year-old German closely over the past two seasons and are “impressed with his growth at the San Siro”. Bisseck was pivotal in Inter’s route to last season’s Champions League final, where his presence at the back did not go unnoticed.

This is a familiar route for Eddie Howe’s side, who previously dipped into Serie A when they brought in Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £55 million. The idea of replicating such a transfer with Bisseck is gathering momentum, although the fee “won’t come cheap” with four years still remaining on the defender’s current deal.

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Strong Interest Despite Competition

The potential transfer may be complicated by rival interest from Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. However, only Newcastle and Spurs can dangle the carrot of Champions League football. NUFC Blog notes claims that Bisseck is “in solidarity” with teammate Hakan Çalhanoğlu amid unrest at Inter, possibly opening the door for an exit.

Brentford’s Nathan Collins has also appeared on the club’s radar, yet his situation is described as a “non-starter” due to the departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard from the Gtech.

Scalvini Move Fading

The club’s increased focus on Bisseck could also hint at their withdrawal from the chase for Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini. Once “one of their top targets”, Scalvini seems less likely to arrive on Tyneside, as little progress has been made on that front. The move for the previously labelled “insane” centre-back has gone quiet.

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New Arrivals and Setbacks

Newcastle’s summer has not gone entirely to plan, despite the arrivals of Spanish wonderkid Antonito Cordero and £52 million man Anthony Elanga. The recruitment team failed to land João Pedro and Mbeumo, and their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is also under threat, with Manchester City now making a move for their former player.

As the Magpies strive to bridge the gap with England’s elite, securing Bisseck could be a statement of serious intent. Whether they succeed remains to be seen, but the ambition is evident.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Bisseck would be a proper signing. You don’t come through at Inter, become a Champions League final starter and go unnoticed. The fact that he’s “impressed with his growth at the San Siro” and Inter want to keep him says everything about his quality. If we’re going to keep fighting on multiple fronts, we need depth and composure at the back.

Yes, Scalvini sounded exciting, but if that’s stalled, Bisseck is more than a decent plan B — or even plan A. He’s quick, strong in the air, reads the game and still has room to grow. At 24, he’s just entering his prime. The fact he’s “in solidarity” with Çalhanoğlu amid all the turmoil could be a blessing for us.

It’s also good to see we’ve added Elanga and Cordero, though the recruitment team clearly faced some rejections. Still, Champions League football is a lure, and if we can convince Bisseck to come, that’d show we’ve not lost pulling power.

The Trafford situation is frustrating but not a disaster. Defence is the priority. Let’s just get Bisseck in, give Howe the tools, and push on.