Krishnan Sreekumar
Newcastle United to battle Manchester United for AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in the summer
According to Foot Mercato (h/t The Sun), Newcastle United are interested in securing the services of AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in the upcoming transfer window in the summer, which may prove to be a transfer blow to Manchester United.
Newcastle were battling relegation in the Premier League not too long ago this season, but a takeover by their new wealthy Saudi Arabian owners, backed by the Public Investment Fund, has turned their fortunes around.
The club has risen up the league table and is now in the top half of the points tally. Manager Eddie Howe has worked wonders with the squad in the past couple of weeks, with The Toon winning their previous four league games.
Backed by his rich new owners, Howe went about making major changes to the Magpies’ defensive line, bringing in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, and Matt Targett in the January transfer window to solidify things at the back.
Defensive additions in the summer
The Tyneside club are intent on making more additions to their rearguard in the summer, with Badiashile being viewed as a possible transfer target. The 21-year-old has been in fine form for Monaco this season, which has seen him attract interest from United as well, given how poor the Manchester side has been this term.
Although the youngster will have another two years remaining on his current contract at the end of the season, the Magpies and the Red Devils will battle it out amongst each other to prise him away from France and bring him to England.
Despite the signing of Raphael Varane last summer, United have not had a good campaign at the back, conceding cheap goals and dropping crucial points all season, which explains the club’s current league position.
After Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof partnered up last year to help the Old Trafford outfit to a runners-up spot in the league, both have waned in their performances since the start of the season. Maguire, in particular, has been woeful the entire year and has faced flak from fans and pundits alike.
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Although Varane has come in and provided some stability, his injury niggles and his tendency to switch off at times have made a satisfactory buy. Given the reputation he built with Real Madrid and the French national team, it has been disappointing to watch the defender in action this season.
United fans would hope that bringing in a younger Frenchman in Badiashile may change their fortunes next term, but face wealthy Newcastle in the transfer battle for the Monaco central defender. Only time will tell if either club is successful in convincing the Ligue 1 side to part with one of their brightest prospects, or he remains in France for yet another campaign.
