Newcastle United scouts have recently been impressed by a Premier League defenseman, and is now on the radar as a potential signing, the report said.
Howe’s search for a defender continues
After missing out on Marco Guehi from Crystal Palace in a disappointing transfer window this summer, Newcastle remain keen on a new centre-back, having identified several targets for this winter and summer.
They are magpies is planning a move for Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CPwho could be available for a fee of between £42m and £50m this month, although Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are also in the picture and his price could prove too high.
Eddie Howewere on the side in contact with AC Milan agents Fikayo Tomori earlier this month, but the Englishman has since re-emerged as a key player for the Italian side, starting at last three Serie A matches, indicating that he may no longer be available.
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As such, Newcastle may be forced to consider other options, with Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder now revealing Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg is now on their transfer radar starts in the next few transition periods.
Scouts have been impressed after watching Van Den Berg on a number of occasions, most recently watching him in action in the Bees’ 2-2 draw against Manchester City, during which they also checked on Bryan Mbeum.
With Fabian Schar still yet to sign a new contract and Jamaal Lascelles out of contract in the summer, Howe is looking to bring in additional options at centre-back, and the Brentford defender could fit the bill.
The 23-year-old is said to be a great option due to his ability on the ball, but there could be competition for his signature, with Bayer Leverkusen also keen.
Van Den Berg develops at Gtech
The former Liverpool man’s rise to regular starter in the Premier League has been steady, spending time on loan at Championship side Preston North End before going on to perform very well for Mainz in the Bundesliga last season.
The Dutchman was the most dominant defender in Europe’s top leagues, playing an important role in avoiding relegation from the Bundesliga.
Former football player George Chokamov he praised development of the 6-foot-3 defenseman at Gtech Community Stadium this season, while reporter Sam Tabuteau is also praised him as a “dedicated, full-blooded defender” who is “excellent in the air”.
As such, it is a smart move for Newcastle to identify Van Den Berg as a target, and Howe should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.
