Newcastle not put off by 24-year-old Chelsea player’s £25.8m asking price

Newcastle United are not put off by the £25.8 million asking price Chelsea have set for Trevoh Chalobah and have stepped up their interest in the last few hours.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, which notes that the 24-year-old is on Inter Milan’s radar as they look for defensive reinforcements.

Trevoh Chalobah could apparently leave Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Axel Disasi. Chelsea are not keen to loan him out. But they will let him leave for €30 million.

Newcastle step up Chalobah interest

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Blues’ asking price has not put off the likes of Everton, West Ham and Newcastle. In fact, the report claims that all three have stepped up their interest in the defender in recent hours.

Newcastle have spent plenty of money in this window. However, they have not overhauled their ranks ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Tino Livramento has become the latest player through the St James’ Park door, following Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes. With that, Eddie Howe may be hoping for one or two more additions.

Chalobah would be a smart signing given that he can play at centre-back or central midfield. And he clearly has the potential to improve further in the years to come. Rio Ferdinand suggested that he had been ‘unbelievable‘ after one performance for Chelsea.

That would suggest that if he does move and kicks on, he could be worth even more in the coming years. And that will appeal to a Newcastle side which is looking to keep improving.

So it will be interesting to see if these reports are followed by a bid from Newcastle or one of his other admirers in the near future.

NEWS UPDATE: PLC has set £45m asking price over a key player as Newcastle interest

Man Utd set £45m price tag for Scott McTominay after turning down West Ham bid

Manchester United have turned down an opening bid from West Ham United for midfielder Scott McTominay, according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

The Hammers have agreed to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax, but they are also interested in landing McTominay, who has been a long-term target for manager David Moyes.

It was recently confirmed that they made a £30 million bid for the Scotland international, but the bid has been rejected. The Red Devils currently value him at around £45m.

United are more than happy to keep McTominay, but he is also seen as the biggest sale that they can make this summer. Newcastle United could still act on their interest, depending on other deals.

McTominay could leave for the right price

McTominay is currently the immediate back-up option to Casemiro for the number six role, but he could drop down the pecking order if United were to sign Sofyan Amrabat.

This could urge him to move on in the current transfer window, but a transfer would depend on whether West Ham or Newcastle are willing to meet United’s demands.

McTominay is a home-grown player in the prime of his career at 26. He has two years left on his contract with United, but the club have the option to extend for 12 months.

Taking this into regard, the £45m valuation seems reasonable with the nature of the current transfer market. The onus is on West Ham or Newcastle to pay the fee.

The Hammers are currently leading the pursuit of the Scot, but we won’t be surprised if the Magpies make a fresh approach after failing to sign McTominay in January.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

DEAL COMPLETED: Newcastle has complete deal of £55m transfer over top player from…..

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sends warning to Sandro Tonali after £55m transfer

Sandro Tonali completed a £55m move to Newcastle from AC Milan last month and Toon boss Eddie Howe has admitted the midfielder will need time to adjust to the Premier League

Eddie Howe has warned Sandro Tonali “the Premier League is different.”

‌The Italian star made an impressive St James’ Park debut on Saturday against Fiorentina as Newcastle won 2-0 with goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak. The £55m man has to prove himself combative enough for a place in Howe’s first starting XI of the season against Aston Villa next week and Howe has seen an improvement in his defensive duties.

The former AC Milan playmaker’s quality on the ball is not in doubt, but Howe wants a solid midfield platform. Tonali played on the right of a three, and Howe admitted: “Out of possession it was a step up in his recent performances which was good to see.”

‌Tonali will have to adjust the physical and quick midfield battle to oust Sean Longstaff, and Howe added: “We are working on every aspect of his game. For Sandro, the Premier League is different.

“He would have found that in the few games he played in America where there was a step up – just the speed, sharpness, where opponents place themselves. We have to be solid defensively if we are to have success.

‌“He’s a combiner, he’s going to need relationships to show his best qualities. In time those will grow and we will see the player I know he is going to be.

‌“He was very good today. I was pleased with Sandro, he played as an 8 and a 6 and was composed in possession.”

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SKY SPORTS

‌Tino Livramento watched from the stand ahead of his £30m switch from Southampton being confirmed soon. Howe refused to comment on the deal. Anthony Gordon missed two good chances but played extremely well in a front three that is likely to start against Villa.‌

Howe said: “Anthony has had a good summer. He has come back more confident. I see a player with confidence, huge ability and talent. He has done well.

‌“But he’s probably gone home kicking himself that he hasn’t got two goals but there is a big improvement in general performances and his fitness level.” Fabian Schar will be missing from Sunday’s friendly against Villarreal through injury but is returning to training