Newcastle United are going to do all they can to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad in January.
Given Newcastle United’s injuries in defence, it is clear that reinforcements are required. Full-back is a particular area of concern, with Lewis Miley currently having to play at right-back.
Left-back is also an issue, with pressure on Lewis Hall to remain fit. There was concern when he went down against Burnley, but Hall insists he should be fine ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Longer term, Newcastle United need to provide Hall with more cover. That is why Newcastle want to sign Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, who is a 19-year-old left-back.
He is an exciting prospect, but there is already an issue for the Magpies to contend with.
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Dayann Methalie suffers injury after Newcastle United interest
Methalie, who can also play at centre-back, has been an ever-present for Toulouse in Ligue 1 this season. He has appeared in all 16 of their league games so far, starting 14 of them.
However, the teenager’s run of appearances is now set to come to an end.
That is because Methalie is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury that has been plaguing him for months.
Toulouse manager Carles Martinez Novell has confirmed that Methalie has had an injection in his knee to address the issue, which means he will be absent for the next few weeks.
“It’s not serious,” he said during his press conference before facing Lens.
“But it was the best thing to do to help him feel well for the next few months. We decided to have the procedure done now so he can come back within the next month, but we can’t give a precise timeframe.”
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Newcastle United expected to bid for Dayann Methalie in January
Whether or not this injury will impact Newcastle United’s pursuit of Methalie remains to be seen, but Novell’s comments do not suggest that he expects the defender to leave in January.
It will be up to Ross Wilson to test Toulouse’s resolve, as he attempts to make his first signing since becoming Newcastle United sporting director.
Methalie appears to be the leading candidate, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Magpies are expected to make a bid to sign him during the January transfer window.
They report that everyone inside Newcastle United likes Methalie, as Wilson attempts to bolster a squad that is yet to hit the heights expected of them this season.
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