Newcastle Have ‘Begun Discussions’ To Sign £26M Rated Chelsea Star But They Face Battle With Spanish Club.

Newcastle Have ‘Begun Discussions’ To Sign £26M Rated Chelsea Star But They Face Battle With Spanish Club.

Newcastle are looking to secure the services of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to reports in the French media.

The 27-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements by the Blues after he returned from his loan spell at Aston Villa.

They are open to offers for Disasi and RMC Sport claim that both the Magpies and La Liga side Villarreal have “begun discussions” to sign the centre-back.

It is believed that a bid in the region of €30m (£26m) would be enough to buy the player, who was signed for €45m (£38.5m) from Monaco in the summer of 2023.

Why are the club interested in Disasi?

The France international is a utility player as he can provide cover at both centre-half and right-back.

While manager Eddie Howe does already have Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier to choose from for the right-back spot, the former has also be deployed on the left. Disasi could, therefore, add more depth.

At centre-back, the Magpies could also do with another body, and Disasi would probably represent a more economical solution than Marc Guehi. The club reportedly still hold an interest in the 24-year-old, who is inside the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace, but the Eagles may still demand a fee in excess of £40m.

The club look poised to seal their first major signing of the summer transfer window, having agreed to pay upwards of £55m for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. The Swedish international is currently undergoing a medical and his move to St James’ Park should be confirmed over the coming days.

However, negotiations for Burnley’s James Trafford have stalled, with the Clarets said to be holding firm on their £40m asking price.