Newcastle United had considered a move to bring Olivier Ntcham to the club this summer but ultimately pulled out as the Frenchman closes in on a switch to Swansea City, according to The Athletic.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
With money tight pretty much all summer, the former Celtic midfielder was understood to have been eyed in what would have been a free transfer after he saw his contract with the Glasgow giants terminated. As a 25-year-old free agent to have played Champions League football, it would certainly have been a logical addition.
Still, the club did not choose to follow up on that interest and a move to Wales beckons for the former Manchester City youngster.
Could Newcastle have done with another midfielder?
At this stage, yes.
While Joe Willock appears to be the main man in the engine room these days, the options behind either him or Miguel Almiron in an attacking midfield sense look bleak. Indeed, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff have often played deeper, while Ryan Fraser’s recent cameos in that berth appear to be somewhat of out position for the Scotland international.
Ntcham may not have been the most headline-grabbing signing in the world but, with 24 goals in 147 games for Celtic, has proven he can provide a goal threat from deep.
What was said about Ntcham and Newcastle?
Speaking to Football Insider in May, pundit Noel Whelan suggested something wasn’t quite right about the manner in which Ntcham left Celtic though did admit he’d be a good signing.
“When people are terminating contracts you have to question why,” he said.
“Newcastle right now, looking at the grand scheme of things, he’s [Ashley] not going to splash the cash.
“He will try and sign players who are competitive but represent value for money. This could be one of those.
“That seems to be where they are going right now. They have a great front line if you can keep them fit.
“They could possibly do with a bit more experience in that midfield. But, I’d like to see them look to the future.
“To bring someone in who is a little bit younger, someone with energy. A different type of player in that midfield. Someone like Ntcham.”
