‘To make it happen’ - Newcastle United ‘love’ £100m defensive duo amid complicated claims

Newcastle United have reportedly identified two high-profile centre-back targets - but any potential deal has already been complicated by Financial Fair Play regulations.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe revealed he would like to add one more player to his squad earlier this week and that signing is set to be confirmed after Chelsea defender Lewis Hall underwent a medical on Tyneside over the weekend. The England Under-19 star will join the Magpies on a season-long loan deal that will become a permanent move next summer as the 18-year-old’s signing adds further young talent to Howe’s ranks ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.

There has been speculation United would look to bring in another centre-back to provide further cover and competition for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar and journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed defenders impressing in European football have already captured the attention of Magpies recruitment staff.

Benfica youngster Antonio Silva and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba are believed to have been watched by United in recent months - but both players could prove out of reach as the Magpies sit at the brink of their limits in their battle with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said: “I think it’s almost impossible to make it happen because of the Financial Fair Play situation. Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are two centre-backs that they love.

“But at the moment they are way too expensive for Newcastle because, with the Financial Fair Play situation, it’s complicated. So, they would need to sell a player of the same value, and it means someone around €55-€60m (£47m-£51.3m), so it’s more than complicated.”