Opinion: 6ft 3in ace would be Newcastle's worst signing in years at current asking price

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United will have to part with £10m if they wish to sign Swansea City centre-back Federico Fernandez in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

Newcastle have already boosted their defence with the arrival of Fabian Schar from Deportivo La Coruna, but it is understood that the Magpies still want another centre-back this summer due to Florian Lejeune’s cruel injury blow.

Indeed, Lejeune is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with knee ligament damage, and that has heightened the club’s need for another central defender.

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle were hopeful of signing Fernandez on loan from Swansea, but the Welsh outfit want a permanent deal for £10m.

The 29-year-old played under Magpies boss Rafael Benitez at Napoli in the 2013-14 season, and it is understood that the pair still have a close relationship.

However, a deal now seems difficult when considering that relegated Swansea have placed a high price on the head of the former Argentina international.

Should Newcastle make a move?

In short, no. Fernandez has been decent since his arrival in the Premier League – making 126 appearances for Swansea in all competitions.

He was also pretty consistent when considering Swansea’s troubles, but Newcastle should be avoiding this deal at all costs when considering the money involved.

Fernandez would be a fairly good loan signing for Benitez’s team, but there is just no way that the Magpies can spend £10m on a player who would not really improve the XI.

Instead, the Premier League club should be putting the money towards bringing in a new centre-forward, which might well define their season.

The argument here is more down the transfer fee involved than the quality of 6ft 3in Fernandez, but this is simply not a deal that Benitez should be pursuing at this stage of the transfer window.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2LR3PaP