Newcastle are considering competing to secure the signature of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who is out of contract at the end of the season, but have one cause for concern.
The Magpies are preparing for a busy summer transfer window with their newfound funds if they are able to avoid relegation.
Eddie Howe has overseen a lot of improvement at St. James’ Park since his appointment earlier this season and his side are now currently seven points above the bottom three and look unlikely to face the drop.
The signings of Chris Wood, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes in the January transfer window has kickstarted Newcastle ’s transition as they aspire to become one of the top clubs in the country.
And the arrival of Rudiger in the summer would certainly add to that process.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are weighing up a move for the 29-year-old but are somewhat put off by it would affect their wage structure at the club.
They report that the Magpies are unwilling to sign players earning over £200,000-per-week at this stage, which is comfortably below what Rudiger would demand to join a club not competing in Europe.
The former Roma defender has been instrumental in Chelsea ’s success over the past few years, with Thomas Tuchel being consistently vocal in how highly thought of the centre back is at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have tried to negotiate a new deal but with time running out, it looks unlikely that a deal will be completed.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be in the race for Rudiger, and it is unlikely that the player’s wage demands will be an issue for either club.
This could lead Newcastle to return for one of their January transfer window targets, Sven Botman of Lille.
The Dutchman has impressed in the Ligue 1 so far this season and, at 22 years old, he is expected to improve markedly over the next few years.
Thomas Tuchel has previously expressed his concerns about the influence Chelsea being put up for sale by Roman Abramovich will have on contract negotiations at the club.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are also out of contract at the end of the season and both have been linked with free transfers to Barcelona.
Tuchel explained: “The bottom line is maybe we can't help it - it is what it is. You never know, maybe it has a positive effect on the negotiations or maybe it has a negative effect.
“We cannot predict and I would like not to predict on scenarios because you just lose focus, but everyone has a different situation and feels different about it (the sale).
“I hope for the best outcome still, I think we have something to offer still. Chelsea are a strong club and will stay a strong club.
“Our owner decided to sell the club but he sells a strong, solid, organised club at the highest level.”
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle consider sacrificing their wage structure to sign Rudiger.
