Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Saturday, January 7.
Slovak captain 'wanted'
Martin Dubravka’s international captain is wanted on a free transfer by Newcastle. According to 90min, Milan Skriniar - entering the final six months of his deal - is a Toon target.
The Inter Milan defender helped the Italian giants clinch their first Serie A title for 10 years in 2020-21. Almost six years at the club has allowed Skriniar to emerge as one of the division’s top centre-backs.
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Sven Botman has established himself as Eddie Howe’s first-choice option alongside Fabian Schar. However, Jamaal Lascelles’ future remains under question and the Inter man could provide an alternative.
Brazil expert impressed by Franca links
Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery has hailed “real talent” Matheus Franca. Newcastle are understood to be one of several Premier League clubs interested in the 18-year-old.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Vickery - who has lived in Brazil since 1994 - outlined Franca as the real deal. He said: “He’s an attacking midfielder. And there is real talent there. He’s very strong on the ball. He’s got a lovely dip in the shoulder.
“As I’m saying Flamengo are the experts at this model. They sell promises. They sold Vinicius Jr. They sold Lucas Paqueta. They sell promises in order to bring back players from Europe.
“They have a very strong team, Flamengo. They are the champions of South America. It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when they’re at full strength. So I think Flamengo would be open to selling him but they want money for him.”
White’s first interview
Joe White is eager to get started after completing his loan move to Exeter City. The talented youngster has swapped St James’ Park for St James Park in an attempt to gain first-team experience.
"I can’t wait,” he told Exeter’s website. “Obviously, (this is) first-team football at a really good level, in a really good team, so yeah I can’t wait to get started training and get on the pitch.
"I text the gaffer as soon as he got appointed Exeter manager just wishing him luck and he says to me having a little joke about needing some good players in January. It’s kind of worked out well, but obviously having worked with him at Newcastle in the short amount of time we did, I had a good relationship with him.
"I am a creative midfielder. I like to take people on with the ball, play in tight spaces, work and combine with others and I like to make the final action whether that’s assists or goals."
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