A key update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of a new centre-back in the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai is a player the club are looking at as a potential signing this month as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his squad.

When asked about the club's interest in him, he told GIVEMESPORT: “So, I think he probably is an option, from what I've heard, but I don't think he is option number one. So, it might be one to keep an eye on later on in the window.”

Buzzing

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will surely be buzzing with this news as he is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements this month.

The club's defensive record is abysmal this season and that suggests that they need to improve on the personnel they have available at the back.

Only Norwich have conceded more goals in the division than the Magpies and Howe's side have only kept two clean sheets all term, both coming in 1-0 wins - their only victories of the campaign.

Therefore, the signing of Szalai could leave the head coach buzzing as he has impressed for his county at international level. In ten World Cup qualifiers for Hungary, he has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.88 and a rating of 7.25 in five Nations League matches.

Former Fenerbahce coach Emre Belozoglu once praised the defender and one of his teammates. He said:

“We received very quick feedback on Attila Szalai and Dimitris Pelkas. Szalai, who made the loudest noise in training as if he had been playing for Fenerbahçe for years, and joined us last. These names are very exemplary players.”

This suggests that the centre-back is able to perform consistently to a high level, whilst also showing that Szalai is a leader on the pitch and in training. He could raise the level of those around him in the defence by leading the team, which could make him an excellent addition to the squad.

Howe would surely love to have a 24-year-old defender who he could work with to improve over the years whilst relying on him to perform immediately in the Premier League. That is why he will be delighted to know that the player is one of the names on the club's transfer wishlist.

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