Newcastle United have reportedly targeted Liverpool summer target Exequiel Palacios.
According to Argentine publication TNT Sports, the Magpies are one of a number of Premier League sides facing a one-off transfer target from the Reds.
As well as Newcastle, the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently chasing Palacio.According to The Athletic, Liverpool looked at the player from Bayer Leverkusen, but his club was not interested in selling.
Leverkusen CEO Simon Rolfes made it clear to all interested clubs in the summer that the “defensive genius” was not available.
Palacios signed a new contract in September and his new contract runs until the summer of 2028.
Despite this, Villa are now “seriously” considering trying to sign Palacios, but Newcastle and Man City could turn this into a bidding war.
According to the report, interest from the Premier League offers the star an “exciting opportunity” to take his career to the next level.
Leverkusen also have a great opportunity to sell Palacios for a significant profit.
The Magpies are likely to dig into the market in January to find cover for the suspended Sandro Tonali.
Meanwhile, the Reds could be looking for an outside defensive midfielder. Liverpool are currently tied for 6th place with Alexis MacAllister.
He can do well in a somewhat unfamiliar position, but it is certainly possible to move him up if a new defensive midfielder joins.
Exequiel Palacios unlikely to move in January – TBR view
Palacios joined Leverkusen in 2020 from Argentine giants River Plate for a fee of £15 million.
And while the 24-year-old has taken time to adapt, he is now a key cog in Xabi Alonso’s plans. He scored two goals and provided two assists in nine Bundesliga matches.
Palacios’ efforts helped them climb to the top of the table, two points ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich. With that in mind, you’d expect Newcastle – or any of his suitors – to have little chance of signing him in January.
What club would sell one of their biggest assets mid-season during a campaign where they are punching above their weight and challenging for glory?
Unless the club was in serious financial trouble and had to sell to stay afloat, such a move would be illogical and unwarranted.
In addition, Palacios recently signed a new contract. Leverkusen’s hand is currently the strongest it can be in such a situation.
