Newcastle United target in ‘final stages of Tottenham transfer’

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, who is claimed to be a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United look set to miss out on reported transfer target Radu Dragusin.

The Genoa defender has emerged as a rising star in Serie A, continuing his rich vein of form from the club’s promotion-winning campaign last term. Dragusin has made 19 league appearances for Alberto Gilardino’s side so far this season, who currently sit 12th in the table, and the centre-back’s impressive displays seem to have put him on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

Speaking in November, the 21-year-old’s agent claimed to have held talks over a possible move to Newcastle, as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. “I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams,” Florin Manea told Romanian outlet Fanatik. “We’re getting closer and closer.”

While Newcastle have been able to field their first-choice back four, once again, in recent weeks, the extent of the club’s injury crisis laid bare the need for reinforcements. Meanwhile, Dragusin’s agent Manea has insisted that his client is not interested in a January move, though it remains to be seen whether that is a negotiating tactic.