To say it’s been a busy summer for Newcastle United and Aston Villa would be an understatement. Both teams have lost key players and are forced to find replacements as soon as possible.
Indeed, Villa achieved the second half with much greater success than the Magpies. Manager Unai Emery brought in Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomez and Alejandro Garnacho for Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rodgers. Newcastle, on the other hand, are struggling to sign all of their top targets.
Now, the Premier League duo are set to reunite in the transfer window in pursuit of James Tavernier. The former Rangers captain is still a free agent after leaving Ibrox at the end of last season and there is no lack of interest.
Rangers’ James Tavanier | |
|---|---|
game | 565 |
the goal | 144 |
assist | 148 |
scottish premiership | 1 |
scotland cup | 1 |
scottish league cup | 1 |
Tavernier, 34, has ended his legendary Rangers career. The veteran right-back has done it all at Ibrox, but Gers will struggle to find another defender capable of being involved in 292 goals in 565 games.
Signing Tavernier would make a lot of sense as Newcastle look for a replacement for Kieran Trippier. He is an experienced defender and one who can take Eddie Howe’s side forward.
Signing Tavernier would also allay fears that Newcastle could be left behind by Tino Livramento at a time when no star player has a guaranteed future on Tyneside.
The situation is less urgent for Aston Villa, who could call up Matty Cash along with young Kosta Nedeljkovic, and Tavernier would be signed for pure experience.
Aston Villa and Newcastle begin hijacking James Tavernier
As reported by TeamTalk, Aston Villa and Newcastle have begun approaches to sign Tavernier this summer, with the aim of taking over Charlotte FC’s entry into MLS.
The American team is reportedly in pole position as the right-back is leaning towards a move to MLS at this stage of his career, but Villa and Newcastle are not giving up.
Tavernier remains a free agent, but the Premier League duo remain in the race to sign him. The ball is very much in the defender’s court, but a decision should be made as soon as preseason begins.
Apart from a right-back, Newcastle are naturally focused on bringing in another midfielder. They have already signed Aladi Bamba from AS Monaco but need further reinforcements as Bruno Guimarães prepares to leave the club.
The big question remains: Who will be next? Botafogo star Danilo is definitely a name to watch.
The Brazilian is in form in South America and the Magpies have already made contact in a bid to sign him. With a release clause worth just €20m (about £17m), he is a player to watch this summer.
