Newcastle are “desperate” to sign Hull City defender Harry Maguire before Tottenham Hotspur snap up the centre back, according to the Sun.
The paper reports that manager Rafa Benitez will only be able to make a move for what would be his first summer signing if discussions with club owner Mike Ashley go well this week.
Maguire is being pursued by a number of Premier League teams after a series of impressive performances this season for the Tigers. Spurs’s interest is surprising considering the strength of their defence with Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier all established as first choice players at the club.
The 24 year old would need to fight for a first team place at the London club, according to the Sun, and this may prove a stumbling block. So far this campaign, Maguire has played 35 games but he did not start the season in Hull’s first team.
Since moving to the Kcom stadium in 2014 from Sheffield United, he has been sent out on loan, and been very much a squad player until this season. He may not want another spell on the bench which could give Newcastle the edge over rivals in negotiations for the defender.
