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Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on Liverpool summer target Exequiel Palacios.
According to Argentine outlet TNT Sports, the Magpies are one of several Premier League sides eyeing the one-time Reds transfer target.
As well as Newcastle, the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently in pursuit of Palacios too.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool were eyeing the Bayer Leverkusen player, but his club wasn’t interested in selling.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s managing director, made it clear to any interested clubs in summer that the ‘defensive genius’ was unavailable.
Palacios went on to sign a new contract in September, and his new deal runs until the summer of 2028.
Despite this, Villa are now said to be ‘seriously considering’ an attempt to sign Palacios, but Newcastle and Man City could turn it into a bidding war.
The report claims that the interest from the Premier League offers the star a ‘tantalising opportunity’ to take his career to the next level.
Leverkusen also have a great chance at selling Palacios for a substantial profit.
The Magpies are likely to delve into the market in January to find cover for the suspended Sandro Tonali.
Meanwhile, the Reds may well look for an out-and-out defensive midfielder. At present, Liverpool are playing Alexis Mac Allister at No. 6.
He’s doing well in the somewhat unfamiliar position, but there’s certainly scope to push him further upwards if a new defensive midfielder joins.
Exequiel Palacios unlikely to move in January – TBR View
Palacios arrived at Leverkusen in 2020 from Argentine giants River Plate for a reported £15million fee.
And whilst the 24-year-old took some time to adapt, he’s now a key cog in Xabi Alonso’s plans. He has registered two goals and two assists from nine Bundesliga games.
Palacios’ efforts have helped them go top of the table, two points ahead of perennial champions Bayern Munich.
With that in mind, you’d assume that Newcastle – or indeed any of his other suitors – would stand little chance of signing him in January.
What club would sell one of their biggest assets mid-season during a campaign where they’re punching above their weight and challenging for honours?
Unless the club had some major financial difficulties and needed to sell to stay afloat, such a move would be illogical and unforgivable.
Besides, Palacios has only just penned a new contract. Leverkusen’s hand is currently the strongest it could be in such a situation.
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