Newcastle identify new centre-back target after missing out on two deals - Report
Newcastle United have been in the market for a right-sided centre-back for some time, with this and a new right-winger likely to be our top transfer targets for 2025.
This week, a new name has emerged, with a Premier League defender identified as a long-term replacement for the experienced and dependable Fabian Schar.
While no incomings are expected this month, Paul Mitchell is hoping to ramp up our recruitment model and bring in top quality players in the next few windows to take the squad to the next level.
Newcastle eyeing another Bournemouth star?
As reported by Mark Douglas at iNews, Newcastle are keeping tabs on Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi as a potential long-term replacement for Fabian Schar, who turns 34 this year.
It's believed a January move for the 22-year-old is a non-starter as Bournemouth push for European football, but the club are considering a summer bid.
Douglas reports that the club had been pursuing Abdukodir Khusanov and Juma Bah, leaving our recruitment team to shift their attention elsewhere after the pair ended up signing for Man City this month.
Although our transfer business has been limited by PSR, the hope is that by the summer we can be in a much stronger position to recruit, with Toon chiefs hoping to land Champions League football to tempt top targets into signing at St James' Park.
This isn't the first Bournemouth player we've been linked with over the past few months, with the club thought to be big admirers of winger Antoine Semenyo.
Zabarnyi impressing
The centre-back signed for the Cherries back in 2023 and has since established himself in their backline which is now one of the most impressive in the Premier League as they sit just one point off of fourth.
The 6ft 2' defender has also managed to do what so many have failed this season - keeping Alexander Isak quiet as his side battered Newcastle 4-1 last week with the Ukrainian showing exactly why so many top teams in Europe could be after him.
He wouldn't come cheap and will be tough to tempt away from Bournemouth if they continue to show such impressive form under Andoni Iraola.
