Magpies set their sights on Leipzig defender to bolster the defence

With only one week remaining in the summer transfer window, Newcastle United still need a new centre back to bolster their defensive ranks. While the Magpies are involved in negotiations with Crystal Palace to sign Marc Guehi, they need to consider other central defenders as well if Palace don't accept Newcastle's bid for Guehi.

Thus, Eddie Howe's side should look to repeat their transfer strategy which led them to sign Sven Botman for £35 million in 2022. Currently, Newcastle United have submitted their fourth bid of £65 million for Guehi, but they can sign a quality centre back for around £40 million from the Bundesliga. According to The Mail, the Magpies have shortlisted Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan as a possible candidate to improve the defence.

Magpies set their sights on Leipzig defender to bolster the defence

The 24-year-old French defender joined Leipzig in 2021 and has made 121 appearances for the club scoring seven goals as well. Simakan is a tall centre back who has great aerial ability and is a reliable presence at the back. Further, in three seasons with Leipzig, Simakan has won the German Cup twice as well as winning the German Super Cup in 2023.

Therefore, if Newcastle sign Simakan instead of Guehi, they will get a quality centre back at almost half of the transfer fee that they need to pay Palace for Guehi. On top of that, the Magpies can sign a new forward as well to provide more competition and squad depth in the attack. Now it remains to be seen if Newcastle United decide to sign Guehi or Simakan in this transfer window.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's side will face Bournemouth in an away fixture aiming to take another win in the new Premier League season.