An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha…
What’s the talk?
According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Magpies are among a number of clubs keen on sealing a transfer for him in the summer due to his impressive form in Portugal this season.
The report claims that Manchester United, Wolves and Tottenham are also in the running for the player with a £50m (€60m) release clause, which means that the Toon could face fierce competition for his signature.
Diame 2.0
Eddie Howe must secure a deal for Palhinha, as the 44-year-old would be bringing in Newcastle’s new midfield powerhouse – a Mo Diame 2.0 if you will.
Diame excelled at winning possession back for the Magpies during his time at the club, as he spent one season in the Championship and two in the Premier League on Tyneside.
In the 2017/18 top-flight campaign, he averaged 4.4 tackles and interceptions per game in the middle of the park before averaging 3.7 per game the following season in the Premier League. The Senegal international was able to catch the eye with his dominant midfield displays as he went flying into tackles to get the crowd off their feet.
By signing Palhinha, Howe would be bringing in another player who could get St James’ Park rocking with the 26-year-old’s ability to take the ball off the opposition.
The Portuguese international has averaged 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game in his country’s top flight this season, whilst making 4.9 per game in the Champions League. This shows that the 26-year-old, described as a “special player” by his manager Ruben Amorim, is a monster in midfield who wins the ball back on a consistent basis for his team, much like Diame did for Newcastle.
Palhinha has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.13 for Sporting as he has been able to deliver consistently brilliant performances throughout the campaign. He has been able to put in complete displays to go along with his knack for making tackles and interceptions and this is why he would be a fantastic signing for the Magpies heading into next season.
Therefore, Howe would find Diame 2.0 in a deal for the Portuguese machine, and that is why he must work hard to get a move over the line in the coming months. The 26-year-old would bolster Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park, and fans would surely love to see a tough-tackling battler arrive through the door to improve their team.
AND in other news, Forget Trippier: £13m “Rolls-Royce” is saving NUFC’s season, he’s their “figurehead”…