Likely (Jan)uary Transfer Gossip

Unlike stories about Newcastle United paying £10m for strikers who score once in every twenty matches, someone who more fits the Toon’s buying policy is 6’3″ centre-back Jan Vertonghen, currently playing for Ajax.

Rumours abound in the Dutch press that Newcastle are after him on Graham Carr’s advice.

Whether there is any real substance is one thing but he does fit a certain profile.

The Belgian international already has 35 international caps, plays in a country where wages are significantly lower than in England and perhaps most importantly has only 18 months of his contract to run which gives the buying club leverage when doing a deal.

The fact he looks a canny player is a bonus!

Vertonghen is a left-footed player who usually plays at centre back but he can also play anywhere on the left side, or in defensive midfield. He has played almost 200 games for Ajax knocking in over twenty goals.

The centre-back/midfielder was recently made captain and again that ticks another box as I don’t think you can have too many leaders on the pitch.

Looks a great prospect but would Newcastle be willing and able to compete?