Newcastle have despatched scouts to look at “beautiful” in-demand Sunderland star

Newcastle United have carried out a scouting mission on a “beautiful” Sunderland star forward of the January switch window, based on a report.

Newcastle seeking to signal a defender

Again in November, Alan Shearer gave an summary of the positions he feels Newcastle have to strengthen this winter, saying: “I’d undoubtedly be focusing on a centre-forward, a right-sided ahead and doubtless a centre-half. These are the three precedence positions.”

Since then, the Magpies have stepped up their curiosity in plenty of centre-backs, with Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov turning into their high goal in that space of the pitch, in gentle of his spectacular performances in Ligue 1 this season.

Eric Garcia has additionally emerged as a goal for Eddie Howe, with Barcelona prepared to let the defender go away in January, ought to a possible suitor be prepared to stump up a payment of round €25m (£21m) for his providers.

Newcastle are plenty of choices from gamers throughout the continent, nevertheless there are actually indications they may make a transfer for a participant from a lot nearer to dwelling, a lot to the discontent of their native rivals.

In response to a report from The Boot Room, the Magpies are one in all plenty of which have scouted Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard, however there can be important competitors for his signature.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are actually pushing to signal the centre-back, whereas Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Fulham have additionally carried out scouting missions, which shows how spectacular his performances have been thus far this season.

As such, it could be troublesome to win the race for Ballard’s signature, and the rivalry with Sunderland will definitely do Newcastle no favours in the case of doubtlessly getting into switch negotiations.

Ballard impressing for the Black Cats

Sunderland are pushing for promotion again to the Premier League and Ballard has emerged as an necessary participant, notably within the final couple of months, cementing himself as a constant starter and even offering a objective within the 3-2 win in opposition to Swansea Metropolis.

Lauded as “beautiful” by journalist Josh Bunting, it’s clear to see why so many top-flight golf equipment are eager on signing the 25-year-old, however a transfer to St. James’ Park appears an unlikely state of affairs, given the circumstances.

It might be extraordinarily uncommon for Sunderland to sanction Ballard becoming a member of their predominant rivals, notably after they’re in a promotion race and there are a variety of different events who they may promote him to.

As such, Newcastle could also be higher off prioritising the signing of extra lifelike targets, comparable to Khusanov or Garcia, notably contemplating the latter participant can be allowed to go away Barcelona in January, making negotiations quite a bit simpler to conduct.