An update has emerged on Newcastle United's transfer plans, regarding Vitoria centre-back Abdul Mumin...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the central defender ahead of a potential swoop for him this month.

The report claims that Lyon and Leicester are also interested in signing him, with Vitoria said to want £12m for his services.

Biggest issue

Nick Hammond could help Howe solve Newcastle's biggest issue and seal a masterclass by bringing Mumin to the club this month as the side's defensive frailties have been there for all to see this season.

The Magpies, quite simply, have not been anywhere near good enough at defending their own goal in the Premier League and it is costing them. They are currently 19th in the table and only Norwich have conceded as many goals as Newcastle (42) this term.

Eddie Howe's side have only kept one clean sheet and averaged 2.2 goals conceded per game, with Steve Bruce and Graeme Jones in charge of matches earlier this season.

By signing Mumin, the ex-Bournemouth man could improve his defence and increase their chances of keeping clean sheets and, therefore, pick up more points. The defender has helped Vitoria keep 11 shut outs since the start of last season, showing that he can be part of a stable backline at the top level.

Mohammed Kudus, a former teammate of Mumin's, previously lauded the defender, saying:

“He's the best central defender I've ever played with. Moving to Portugal is a big challenge, he is committed to surpassing himself, determined to reach a competitive level and he is very keen on fulfilling all his dreams.

“I do not see why he (Mumin) will not be a hit in Portugal, he is mentally strong and has everything to be in the best leagues.”

The 23-year-old defensive monster has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.79 for Vitoria, whilst making 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game for the Portuguese outfit.

His age suggests that he has time to improve and develop as a player, which could make him an asset in the short and long term for the Magpies, whereas three of Newcastle's four first-team centre-backs are in their 30's and the other - Jamaal Lascelles - is 28.

So, Hammond could solve a key issue at St. James' Park by signing Mumin to improve the club's defensive record and sign a player with resale value and the potential to improve, which is why this could be a masterclass from the short-term recruitment specialist.

Of course, there is no guarantee that he will be a success, but he has proven his quality in Liga Bwin with his clean sheet record for Vitoria and it could be worth a gamble at £12m.

AND in other news, Howe must seal NUFC swoop for "incredible" 105-goal 'terminator', he's Demba Ba 2.0...