Newcastle have made their first major signing since their takeover in October, with the £12million signing of Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier being announced on Friday morning. And they could follow that up with the completion of a deal for Lille defender Sven Botman – with the Magpies reportedly making a ‘second bid’ for the Dutchman.
Eddie Howe’s side have struggled massively in the Premier League this season, racking up just 11 points from 19 games as they sit second-bottom in the Premier League table.
Just one win all season has given the club a genuine chance of relegation, despite their multi-million pound takeover in October.
With the joint-worst defence in the league, club chiefs have turned to defensive reinforcements to improve their precarious position, including the £12m signing of England international Trippier on Friday morning.
But with central defence being an even bigger problem, a need to strengthen at the back has become a real priority for Howe and his staff.
And with a bid for Sven Botman being rejected earlier in the window, it appears the Magpies are determined to sign their man after the Athletic reported a second bid had been made for the Lille star.
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