Newcastle United 'join' Man Utd in race for £20m defender as Magpies 'seek cover' for injured Sven Botman

Newcastle United are currently top of the Premier League’s absentee chart and are hoping to rectify the situation in the coming weeks with further recruitment. The Magpies were without several big names for their most recent defeat to Bournemouth and looked a shadow of the team which we have seen in recent months in the league.

Likewise, the Toon’s hopes of Champions League progression have been dented by back-to-back defeats to Borussia Dortmund with a frustrated Eddie Howe admitting that the Germans hadn’t seen the best of Newcastle in either of the two games. Newcastle’s existing injury crisis threatens to derail their hopes of success both in Europe and in the domestic competitions and one of the biggest misses on the pitch in this period has been the long-term absence of defender Sven Botman.

The 23-year-old has been imperious since his arrival from Lille last summer and was a fundamental part of the team which held the best defensive record in the Premier League last term. Botman’s presence is a calming influence on everyone in the team which helps elevate those around him, but he has been limited to just five appearances this season due to injury.

The Dutch defender’s last game in Black and White was an 8-0 victory over Sheffield United and there has been mixed messages about his comeback since that win in September with recent reports claiming it could be months rather than weeks until the centre back returns to action. Botman’s absence has opened the door for club-captain Jamaal Lascelles to find his way back into the line-up, but it is highly speculated that Newcastle will look to bolster that position so that there is further competition in that area.

In-form Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah is just one of the names that has been mentioned as a viable candidate and Goal.com claims that both Newcastle and Manchester United are vying for the player’s signature.

The 19-time German international signed for Leverkusen in 2015 and has been a stalwart in the side for all of the last nine seasons whilst racking up 238 appearances and counting in the league.

Tah is an imposing figure at 6ft 5in and has scored an impressive three goals from 11 appearances this season. The 27-year-old is arguably enjoying the best campaign of his career to date so far and has helped the club record the joint best start of any team in Bundesliga history with 10 wins and one draw - equalling the great Bayern Munich team of Pep Guardiola.

Reports from The Sun indicate that Tah would be valued at around £20-£25m. However, given his current form it is likely that Xabi Alonso would look for a higher figure for his defender.

Tah is currently on international duty with the German national team as they take on Turkey and Austria in friendly matches. The defender has ambitions of making the starting line-up for Julian Nagelsmann’s side in Euro 2024 as they play the tournament on home soil.