Newcastle United open talks over £25m move for Champions League defender - wants return to Premier League
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Highly-rated AC Milan centre back Fikayo Tomori has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League in the upcoming January transfer window amid interest from Newcastle United.
The five-time England international is believed to be keen for a new challenge after falling down the pecking order at the San Siro under new boss Paulo Fonseca and is understood to have told his agent to open talks with potential suitors in England, according to reports from TeamTalk.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCalcioMercato understands that Newcastle are leading the charge to secure the defender’s signature as they aim to boost their chances of achieving a place in the Champions League after a recent upturn in fortunes which has seen the team win three of their last four games in December while also reaching a Carabao Cup semi-final.
Newcastle have made no secret of their desire to sign a centre back in recent windows and were in the market for both Marc Guehi, Tosin Adariabiayo and Malick Thiaw throughout the summer in what ultimately proved to be a frustrating transfer window for new Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell.
Wages and valuation have proved a stumbling block in getting recent deals over the line, particularly at a time where the team has been forced to tread tightly with Financial Fair Play.
However, Team Talk understands that 27-year-old defender Tomori could be available for a cut price fee of around £25m which would fall well within Newcastle’s price range as they aim to bolster their defensive options for the second half of the season.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe outlet does add that West Ham United and Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on the defender but suggest Newcastle are the favourites to get the deal done.
Tomori came through the Chelsea academy and was introduced into the first team in 2016 before learning his trade out on loan at Brighton, Hull City and Derby County before being promoted to the Blues first team by Frank Lampard.
The Canadian born defender formed part of the Chelsea side that achieved a fourth place finish despite a transfer embargo but ultimately fell down the pecking order after Lampard’s departure and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.
Prior to this season, he had been viewed as one of the first names in the AC Milan teamsheet and alongside Sandro Tonali formed part of the team which won the Serie A title in 2021/22 for the first time in a decade while also reaching the Champions League semi-final a year later.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTomori starred against Newcastle in the Champions League in a 0-0 draw at the San Siro and a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park and won plaudits for the way he was able to largely nullify one of the best strikers in world football in Alexander Isak.
Tomori is renowned for his incredible pace, athleticism, strength and defensive leadership, and could prove to be a useful addition to an ageing backline with Fabian Schar (33) and Dan Burn (32) approaching the twilight years of their careers.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.