An update has emerged on Newcastle United's interest in Ajax gem Nicolas Tagliafico...

What's the talk?

According to Sky Sports journalist Matteo Moretto, both the Magpies and Chelsea are both looking into the possibility of a swoop for the Eredivisie full-back.

The report claims that he will be allowed to leave the Dutch giants in the January transfer window and he could be on his way to England.

Major issue

The left-back position has been a major cause for concern this season and the signing of Tagliafico can solve this problem for Howe, which is why Newcastle must seal a deal for the Argentine international.

Jamal Lewis is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, after finally being given a chance following Steve Bruce's exit from the club, and no one else has managed to perform well in that area of the pitch.

Javier Manquillo was given the nod against Manchester United earlier this week and produced a woeful performance, although it could be somewhat excused by the fact he is a right-back by trade.

Howe should not be forced into playing a right-footer at left-back and this highlights why this is a position that needs to be addressed in January.

Matt Ritchie has averaged an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.66 in the Premier League, showing that he has not been able to perform to a good standard consistently.

Tagliafico, meanwhile, has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.17 or higher in each of his four full Eredivise seasons for Ajax. This suggests that the £44k-per-week gem is able to put in excellent displays week-in-week-out, which could make him a reliable option for Howe to call upon at left-back, solving their key problem.

Former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell previously hailed the gem when asked if he would be a good addition to Leeds' squad. He told Football Insider:

“He is a top-quality player. He’s got lots of experience in the Champions League and on the international stage so I think it would be a smart signing."

It is now down to Howe to ensure that Newcastle are able to beat Chelsea, or whoever else wants Tagliafico, to his signature in order to bolster his squad in January.

The 29-year-old could then compete alongside Lewis for a spot in the team when the Northern Irishman is back from injury and Manquillo and Ritchie will not be needed to play.

AND in other news, Howe must work his magic with NUFC dud whose value has plummeted £8.1m in 2 years...