Newcastle United offered chance to sign Aston Villa transfer target for £8m
Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the former Barcelona defender for £8m.
Newcastle United continue to monitor their defensive situation with a view to potentially acting in the January transfer window.
Just as the Magpies’ injury list looked to be clearing up with the return of Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman, they were hit with a fresh blow on Wednesday night when Fabian Schar was taken to hospital after being stretchered off during the 4-3 comeback win over Leeds United.
It is feared that Schar, who is out of contract in the summer, will be sidelined for a lengthy period with an ankle injury. Eddie Howe will provide an update on Friday morning as he speaks to the media ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to AFC Bournemouth.
Fabian Schar & Newcastle United injury latest
Providing an update immediately after the Leeds game, Howe said: “Yeah, it doesn't look good for Fabian. He's in hospital, I believe, at the moment; he's got an ankle problem, We hope it's not as serious as it looks. We send him our love.
“Such an important player, he's been incredible for us since we've come to the football club, he's been almost an ever-present, he's always put his body on the line for the team and it looks like he's had a bad injury, unfortunately.”
That leaves Malick Thiaw and Botman as the only senior centre-backs currently available. Thiaw has started the last 25 matches in all competitions while Botman has only just returned from five weeks out with a back issue.
Of Newcastle’s other centre-backs, Dan Burn remains out with a rib and lung injury while Jamaal Lascelles is still struggling for fitness. He last started competitively for the club in March 2024.
“Yeah, Jamaal's okay, he's still feeling his body's not 100% right, so he's not involved at the moment,” Howe added. “Dan's back on the grass running, so positive steps, but he's still a few weeks away I'd say.”
Newcastle United offered £8m defender
Newcastle found another alternative during the Leeds win when Lewis Miley, having on the same night played right-back and central midfield, dropped into the heart of defence when Schar was forced off.
But depending on how the injury situation develops, the Magpies could dip in the market. The Daily Mail have linked Howe’s side with a move for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie and and according to the same publication, have been offered the chance to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza for £8m alongside West Ham United and Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old came through the youth system at Barcelona and made 66 senior appearances before joining Celta Vigo in 2022.
Mingueza is available on a cut-price deal as he is out of contract this summer, however given that he predominantly plays at right-back, the Magpies are unlikely to bite currently with Livramento and Trippier both fit, while Miley has proven to be effective in that role.