Newcastle are linked with a “brilliant” ex-Chelsea man who is up for sale

Newcastle United are said to have linked up with the former Chelsea player whose sale has been greenlit by his current club, according to reports.

Howe was “frustrated” by Newcastle’s form as January approaches

Newcastle’s need to strengthen their defense was clear for all to see at the weekend as the Magpies were beaten 4-2 by Brentford in the Premier League. A difficult start at the Gtech Community Stadium saw both teams find the net within the opening 12 minutes, with Alexander Isak failing Bryan Mbeumo’s opener.

The home side retook the lead when Yoane Wissa capitalized on a Harvey Barnes error for his ninth goal in eight games, but the England winger redeemed himself after making a dramatic conversion to level. After the break, it was all Brentford, with goals from Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade sealing victory for the Bees and extending their unbeaten run to eight games. Speaking after the game, Howe highlighted his team’s defensive struggles.

“Very disappointing,” he said. “We’re very disappointed with the way we conceded the goals we conceded. It’s not individual mistakes. There are two or three things I’m not happy with in every goal. We have to do better in every goal. Those situations.”

The Magpies have opened talks for a Barcelona defender

To help them solve their problems in the background, Newcastle have now opened negotiations for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen about moving to St. James’ Park in January, according to CaughtOffside. The source claims that Barca are ready to sell the former Chelsea star, who joined on a free transfer in July 2022 and is now in the final year of his contract.

The Catalan club are unwilling to let him go on a free transfer next summer, with a £25 million deal available after the New Year.

Christensen has been a key player for Barcelona since arriving at the Camp Nou, but has played just 26 minutes this season due to a tendon injury, which he had surgery on in Sweden. He is he is expected to return at the end of January.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel once described Christensen as a brilliant defender The Dane has enjoyed a strong start to the 2021/22 season with the Blues.

“He is a calm person, a very intelligent player, and sometimes you can be misled by judging him from his personality, because he is a strong defender and he is a person who is not ashamed to face difficulties and win. He is rising in the game,” said the German.

“He is very strong, very reliable and he has not reached his limit because at his age there is room for improvement. He can be a great defender for us in the coming years and we hope he will be because he is coming from school. “

If Newcastle are to land the Enemy, however, they will face competition from Manchester United, who are understood to already be in possession paid £12.5 million for the 28-year-old.