Newcastle United have been told 'now would be the time to strike' if they wish to sign wantaway Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans. That is the view of former Magpies number one Shay Given, who feels the Belgium international could provide 'something special' alongside Bruno Guimaraes at St James' Park.
Tielemans has entered the final year of his contract with the Foxes, and is expected to seek a move away next summer as a free agent. The 25-year-old has consistently impressed for Brendan Rodgers' side since making the permanent move to the King Power Stadium in the summer of 2019.
Arsenal have long been linked with a summer move for Tielemans, although the league leaders are reportedly locked in negotiations for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. Newcastle are said to be interested in a deadline-day swoop for the former AS Monaco star, although the odds are firmly against a deal being struck at this late stage.
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Given believes Tielemans will be a man in demand next summer should the Leicester star look to secure a lucrative free transfer. The former Newcastle goalkeeper believes if the reported £25 million price tag is to be believed, the Magpies should make their move in the remaining hours of the summer window.
He told Sky Sports News: "How many people in a year's time will want Tielemans on a free transfer? I suppose most of the top clubs not just in this country but around Europe would want him.
"I think with that kind of money, you can't go wrong. Now would be the time to strike if you can afford it, I know Financial Fair Play comes into it a little bit as well.
"But if I was Newcastle and the head of recruitment Dan Ashworth who's doing a great job, I would be really tempted if the finances would let it to bring him to the football club. Imagine him in the midfield with [Bruno] Guimaraes, it would be something special in there."
Former Newcastle midfielder Dietmar Hamann echoed the view of his former team-mate, suggesting Tielemans would be the final piece of Eddie Howe's midfield jigsaw. Hamann added: "I would have liked to have seen him at Liverpool, I think he's a brilliant player and if Newcastle were to be able to get his service, I think they will have made a brilliant transfer.
"He's been one of the standout players for Leicester in the last few seasons, I think he would be the missing piece of the jigsaw in midfield for Newcastle. If they were to secure his services, I think it would be a brilliant transfer.
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