Newcastle United are closely monitoring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who is exploring his options after missing the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Ipswich on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail.
The 27-year-old is seeking more regular starting opportunities in his preferred centre-back position.
Jarell Quansah was selected to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back but was replaced by Ibrahima Konaté at halftime by the Dutch manager.
The report says Newcastle are keeping an eye on Gomez as the summer transfer deadline approaches, aiming to strengthen Eddie Howe’s defense following a porous Premier League campaign last season.
The Magpies recently made a fourth bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi ahead of their home clash with Southampton on Saturday, improving their offer to approach the Eagles’ £65 million valuation.
Despite the bid being rejected by Palace, it would have surpassed the £60 million fee paid for club record signing Alexander Isak.
Newcastle’s need for a new centre-back was underscored after their narrow 1-0 win over Southampton at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Fabian Schär is now suspended for three matches following a red card for headbutting striker Ben Brereton Díaz.
Howe claimed that Schär was deceived by Brereton Díaz, who theatrically fell to the ground after the pair made contact.
Gomez saw a potential £45 million move to Newcastle United fall through last month during negotiations related to Anthony Gordon’s transfer.
Aston Villa, Fulham, Chelsea, and several European clubs have also expressed interest in the England international, who has 15 caps and was included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man Euro 2024 squad.
Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, joined the Reds from Charlton in 2015 for a fee of £3.5 million and has since made 248 appearances for the club.
Gomez has demonstrated his adaptability by playing across the backline, including at centre-back, right-back, and left-back.
In the 2023-24 season, he was a key figure for Liverpool, making 51 appearances in various roles – including in midfield – and adding another Carabao Cup winner’s medal to his collection.
Elsewhere, Vitezslav Jaros, defenders Sepp van den Berg and Nat Phillips, midfielder Tyler Morton, and young wingers Ben Doak and Kaide Gordon were all left out of the squad for the match against Ipswich.
Several of these players are expected to depart Liverpool before the transfer window closes in less than two weeks, either on permanent or temporary transfers.
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