Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign long-time Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez, acting as a potential blow for the Whites.
The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term Leeds target
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road endlessly in the last year, with both summer and January rumours emerging from every direction.
Nandez has matured into a formidable performer for both Cagliari and Uruguay, starting 15 Serie A games for the former this season and playing 49 times in total for the latter, so it's perhaps no surprise Victor Orta wants the tenacious midfielder given the lack of depth in that position at Elland Road.
The Whites' transfer guru even flew out to Italy to discuss a deal last summer, claim some reports, but it now looks as though a strong contender has emerged in the battle to snap up the tough tackling ace.
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The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors
According to Tuttosport on Friday, Newcastle are interested in bringing Nandez to the club after their big-money takeover.
They are described as a 'new entry' in the race to sign the 5 foot 7 Uruguayan, with Leeds and Tottenham still very much in the fight.
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The Verdict: Potential big blow
In the last couple of seasons, there would be no reason why Newcastle would necessarily be a more appealing proposition than Leeds, but their takeover may change things significantly.
All of a sudden, the Magpies are able to blow other teams out of the water in terms of wages, which has the potential to work hugely against Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Nandez would be the perfect January signing to help solve the midfield shortage - his average of 1.9 tackles per game in the league this season is superior to both Robin Koch (1.0) and Mateusz Klich (1.1) - so missing out on him to a Premier League rival would hurt.
In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.