Newcastle want Angelo Stiller as search for defensive midfielder continues

Newcastle United have been on the hunt for a strong defensive midfielder for a while, and with the Sandro Tonali money already burning a hole in the club's pocket, that search is stepping up.

There have been links for years suggesting Newcastle were searching for a defensive midfielder, which would suggest a change in tactic from Eddie Howe, but Newcastle have never really had that dedicated No. 6 in the side to properly enact whatever it was Howe was planning.

Sandro Tonali was deployed in that role several times, but overall, he had a much more open role, much like Bruno Guimaraes.

As questions arise over Newcastle's pursuit of Monaco's Lamine Camara, a new link has surfaced connecting Newcastle with a move for VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller.

Angelo Stiller is a wanted man

The Pod on the Tyne podcast with Chris Waugh and George Caulkin have claimed that Newcastle aren't following up on their interest in Lamine Camara despite it having been widely reported that he was high on their wish list this summer.

Meanwhile, German outlet Kicker has named Newcastle United as one of the clubs keen on 25-year-old Germany international Angelo Stiller, who made 34 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart as a CDM last season.

Stiller is under contract at Stuttgart until 2028 but has a €36.5m (£31m) release clause that is likely to be activated this summer. Real Madrid, Juventus and (brace yourselves for this shocker) Chelsea are all interested.

Newcastle will struggle to land Angelo Stiller

If Newcastle were able to move quickly on this one, then they could maybe steal a march on the competition, but if any of those other three come to the table, we don't really see the Magpies winning that battle.

Our lack of European football next season is really going to harm us this summer when going up against the bigger sides. Chelsea also doesn't have European football, but they do have Xabi Alonso, who will be a big draw for players. They also have plenty of money to throw at potential signings.

We are a bit surprised at the claims that Newcastle aren't going for Lamine Camara after all the hype leading up to the summer window. We'll have to see how true this ends up being.

Honestly, though, right now, we just want to make sure we can get Johan Manzambi over the line after Bazoumana Toure.