Newcastle United lining up January move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah

Newcastle United are reportedly pondering a January swoop for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

The Toon Army are currently facing an injury crisis in central defence, with Sven Botman and Dan Burn sidelined with knee and back injuries, respectively. This has left Eddie Howe with only Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett as fit options in the position ahead of a gruelling upcoming schedule.

According to The Sun, Newcastle United are contemplating making a move for £20million-rated Jonathan Tah, but could face competition from clubs all around Europe including Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham.

Tah, 27, has been enjoying a fine season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international has played an important role in Xabi Alonso’s side sitting top of the Bundesliga table, scoring three times in 11 appearances, while he has featured three times in the Europa League. However, he has just 18 months left on his contract and the Bundesliga league leaders could be tempted to cash in if clubs make attractive offers in January, the report adds.

Jonathan Tah to Newcastle United—Right move?

Owing to injuries to Sven Botman and Dan Burn, Newcastle have made it necessary to find a new centre-back in the January transfer market. The Magpies, rocked by the double injury blow, feel a bit short in that position and could scour the transfer market to find cover. There have been links to various players, as Eddie Howe might prioritise signing a central defender in the New Year.

Sticking to the need for defensive reinforcements, Newcastle are looking at different options, but the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions would prevent them from spending big in January. The club may need to find a smart solution that would enable them to sign a defender without breaching the FFP rules.

In that regard, Jonathan Tah, who is rated at £20million, would be ideal for the Toon Army. Tah joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hamburg in a deal worth around £6.5m in 2015. He has gone on to make 321 appearances for them to date, scoring 12 goals. The German has been in exceptional form and has been amongst the best defenders in the Bundesliga so far.

Standing at 6ft 5ins tall, Tah is a commanding presence in defence with solid composure on the ball and passing ability. The 27-year-old is very strong in the air and relishes challenges against intimidating forwards. The Germany international is an asset to have in the team during set-piece situations, as evidenced by his four goals across all formats this season.

Due to his playing style, Tah will be a good fit at Newcastle and would massively improve their defensive unit. The ex-Hamburg man has all the qualities to be the long-term successor of Fabian Schar, who is already 31. His abilities could complement Botman in central defence in the best possible manner.

Valued at just £20million, Newcastle must go all out for Tah’s signature when the transfer window reopens in January.