Reports in Germany have linked Newcastle United with Eintracht Frankfurt ace Evan Ndicka, who is out of contract next summer. ChronicleLive runs the rule over who he is and what he could bring to Eddie Howe's Magpies...
Who is Evan Ndicka?
Evan Ndicka is a 22-year-old French centre-back, currently plying his trade with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Since signing for the Bundesliga outfit in July 2018, Ndicka has become a mainstay in Frankfurt's backline, traditionally operating either as the left-sided or middle centre-back in a back three.
His versatility means he would provide another option to January addition Dan Burn, who has been a colossus for the Magpies since he joined the club from Brighton earlier this year. Additionally, Ndicka could also provide cover at left-back too, a position that Newcastle could really do with strengthening given Matt Targett's loan status.
READ MORE: Newcastle will have competition from Liverpool and Arsenal for Evan Ndicka
What could he bring to Newcastle United?
Ndicka is an athletic, towering, left-footed centre-back who has played for every single France age group, clearly a sign of his pedigree. Left-footed centre-backs is a position Newcastle scouted intensely during January.
There was strong interest in Lille defender Sven Botman until the French side decided to keep the dutch defender, leading Newcastle to opt for Burn instead. At 29, Burn is in his prime and is a proven Premier League defender.
Newcastle United will have competition from Liverpool and Arsenal for defensive target Evan Ndicka
Should the Magpies look to sign Ndicka in the summer, it would allow the 22-year-old to come in and get accustomed to the intensity of the Premier League, rather than being thrust into the deep end.
Of course, he could play straight away. Ndicka has been a mainstay for a Frankfurt side that has reached the semi-finals of the Europa League this season.
But given his age and how well Burn has performed this season, his signing would definitely be geared more towards the future.
Why might he be available?
Put simply, Ndicka is out of contract next summer. At 22-years-old, and with regular experience in a top five European league, Frankfurt will more than likely want to cash in this summer so they don't lose him on a free.
He would likely cost around £23m to sign this summer, and would go a long way to strengthening Newcastle's backline. The Magpies could face stiff opposition from Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature, with both clubs reportedly interested in his services.
Additionally, Ndicka might opt to stay at Frankfurt and run down his contract with German sports journalist Christopher Michel reporting that the 22-year-old would not be opposed to leaving the German side on a free in 2023.
What they said...
One of the underrated aspects of Ndicka's game has been his goal involvement this season. As journalist Jacque Talbot notes, Ndicka has scored four goals and registered four assists in 29 appearances in the Bundesliga this season.
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