Newcastle Battling Premier League Rival for AC Milan’s Defender
· Yahoo Sports
Newcastle United remains active in the transfer market as Eddie Howe continues searching for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.
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The Magpies have been linked with several center-backs in recent weeks, and a fresh report suggests they have emerged as the frontrunner for an experienced Premier League and Serie A defender despite competition from elsewhere in England.
According to Football Insider’s Keith Wyness, Newcastle is currently leading the race to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, who is expected to leave the Italian club before his contract expires in 2027.
Pete O’Rourke already reported Newcastle’s interest in Tomori a few days before Wyness doubled down on it.
Wyness, meanwhile, believes the England international would welcome a move to St. James’ Park, despite interest from newly promoted Coventry City, where former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is pushing for a reunion.
“Well, I think Newcastle are probably favourites at the moment, but don’t underestimate that Lampard personal connection,” Wyness said. “Tomori certainly fancies himself as being above a Coventry situation though.”
Wyness added that Newcastle’s Saudi-backed ownership is eager to add established names capable of making an immediate impact after the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, and believes Tomori fits that profile.
“I think he’s got this feeling that Newcastle could be the home,” Wyness said. “They’re desperate to get some names and show the fans that they’re doing something, and Tomori could be the right financial structure for them to get him on board.”
The former Everton chief executive also warned Newcastle could end up paying more than expected to complete the deal, if only because of the interest in the player coming from elsewhere and a likely, if not overblown, bidding war and AC Milan knowing about PIF’s bottomless pockets.
“It’s between those two (clubs),” Wyness said. “I think Newcastle will have to probably slightly overpay.”
Tomori has made more than 200 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Chelsea in 2021. Recent reports have suggested the Serie A side is prepared to listen to offers of around €20 million (£17 million) for the 28-year-old this summer.