The summer transfer window is fast approaching for Newcastle United.
While Newcastle still have a job to do in order to guarantee European football will be on offer at St James’ Park next season, it’s difficult to ignore what a big summer lies ahead.
Indeed, a big rebuild has been predicted.
Quite how extensive that is remains to be seen amid FFP restrictions at the club but some attention has already turned towards the transfer window.
Newcastle have scouted three Feyenoord players as they plot new signings and investment is clearly needed.
In an ideal world, the club would go out and strengthen every position possible.
Still, with FFP looming, that does not feel particularly realistic.
If there is to be one area that needs bolstering, however, it is surely in defence.
There has been a remarkable drop-off in Newcastle’s backline this season, with West Ham the only team in the Premier League’s top half to have conceded more goals than Eddie Howe’s side.
Luckily, the club were on the hunt for new defensive signings even before the long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
Now, a new name has emerged as a potential target.
Newcastle are interested in signing ‘The new Varane’
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Philipp Hinze on X (formerly Twitter), Newcastle are one of the teams interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan.
Tottenham are also believed to be keen on the 23-year-old, who is now said to be open to a move to the Premier League.
The Frenchman is believed to have a release clause of €70m in his contract, which roughly equates to £60m.
Who is Newcastle transfer target Mohamed Simakan?
Simakan is a defender capable of playing at right-back, as well as in central defence.
He made his big time breakthrough with Strasbourg in 2019 before joining Leipzig in 2021, while he has also played for the French U21 side.
During his time with Strasbourg, reserve team manager Francois Keller said of the player (via the Bundesliga’s official website): “We quickly realised that we were dealing with a phenomenon. He tore the place up… I said to myself that we had the new [Raphael] Varane.
“He was athletic, powerful, assured and calm.”
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