Newcastle United have been active in the winter market and have already completed the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood so far.
The Magpies now have the richest owners in football after they were purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who want to invest big in the ongoing window to help them avoid relegation to the Championship.
In order to do that, Eddie Howe’s side must improve their defensive record, and, having already brought in a new right-back, the Premier League side are now targeting the heart of the back four.
Lille’s Sven Botman has been pushed forward as the main target, but the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to let the Dutchman leave, meaning the situation has forced the English club to look at other options.
AS Roma’s Chris Smalling is identified as one of the targets, according to Teleradiostereo, relayed by SiamolaRoma.it.
It’s claimed there is a ‘strong interest’ from Newcastle in José Mourinho’s man, who has the experience of playing in the Premier League from his time at Manchester United.
Howe’s side need to make an extra effort to convince Smalling to join them in January because as of now, a move to St James’ Park ‘does not fully convince’ the player.
