Newcastle scouts spotted eyeing £15m defender who pocketed Nick Woltemade
Turning their focus towards the transfer market, Newcastle United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch a defensive star who kept Nick Woltemade quiet.
Ross Wilson “delighted” to be at Newcastle
It’s been an important international break for the Magpies. Not only have the likes of Woltemade and Anthony Gordon been bang in form for their nations, but those back at St James’ Park have also made an interesting move to hire Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.
The sporting director follows Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell in the role, and will be hoping to help guide the Magpies into a more organised transfer window when January arrives.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United. This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.
“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson.
“The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.” (Ross Wilson after joining Newcastle)
Just how soon he’ll get to make his mark is the big question. Whilst Newcastle did spend big in the summer to welcome the likes of Woltemade and Anthony Elanga, it was more of a late shopping spree than detailed plan – something Wilson should look to change.
With European games to balance with domestic action these days, further reinforcements would not be a bad idea and Newcastle’s scouts have already reportedly been spotted watching a potential defensive addition.
Newcastle send scouts to watch Charlie Cresswell
As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle scouts have now been spotted watching Charlie Cresswell ahead of a potential January move. The England U21 international, valued at £15m, has built on last season’s form to enjoy another solid start for Toulouse in Ligue 1 and has now found himself on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Described as “strong” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Cresswell particularly impressed at the U21 Euros in the summer and even pocketed a certain Woltemade against Germany in the final.
As England ran out 3-2 winners, Woltemade failed to create a single chance and failed to complete any of his dribbles. Cresswell, meanwhile, made 14 defensive contributions and was not dribbled past once. It was a colossal performance from the former Leeds United man.
As Fabian Schar and Dan Burn hit 33 years old, signing the Toulouse defender in a move worth just £15m could quickly turn into the ultimate bargain transfer for those at St James’ Park.