Newcastle eye ‘problematic’ transfer of ‘unsettled’ Everton star Amadou Onana in January as Joelinton concerns grow
Newcastle have identified Amadou Onana as a strong target for their midfield and are looking at ways to overcome his “problematic” asking price at Everton, according to The Telegraph.
Luke Edwards reported for the paper’s website on 19 January that the 22-year-old is believed to be “unsettled” at Goodison Park, and with concerns growing at St. James’ Park over the likelihood of Joelinton signing a new deal attention is now turning to the Toffees star.
The Magpies are reportedly “desperate” to sign a midfielder this month with the Brazilian already ruled out for the season with injury, but at £50million Onana is seen as difficult to land, amid rival interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Newcastle are said to be “willing to pay” that amount in the summer though, so are interested in signing him on loan this month, with a fee involved, and then delivering the rest of the money at the end of the season.
Alternatively Eddie Howe’s side may bring forward their plans to January if Everton are prepared to sell “for the right price”.
Sean Dyche wants to keep Onana but the financial situation is thought to make a sale potentially necessary, while Joelinton’s situation with 18 months left on his deal and uncertainty over the future of Bruno Guimaraes means the prospect of both Brazilians leaving the North East makes the Belgian “even more appealing”.
All angles
It goes without saying that it is not going to be helpful to Dyche to navigate the rest of the season, and a potential second points deduction, if one of his prized assets is removed this month.
He would surely like to be given the benefit of spending any money that is brought in, but if the club are under enough pressure to agree a deal it may be that the cash has to go towards balancing the books.
There seems to be little reason to reduce the asking price to accommodate Newcastle’s own financial pressures, especially if there is widespread interest elsewhere.
Should Everton feel forced to sell yet another high-priced player then they would surely prefer something of a bidding war to break out among those chasing him.
It is looking unlikely that the Toffees will be able to strengthen to any meaningful degree before the transfer deadline, since they essentially have zero budget to work with, unless they can upgrade on Arnaut Danjuma with a new loan.
And weakening the squad at such a crucial time could be a huge blow just as the relegation threat is starting to creep up again in the face of a potential new sanction for profit and sustainability breaches.
Without the 10 points already lost and the risk of more being taken Everton would be in a far better league position than has become the norm in recent seasons, but events off the field are again cause for concern.
In other Everton news, the club are at risk of having to sell another big-money star man after the latest FFP developments.
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