Newcastle ‘enquiry’ is ‘to be recorded’ for ex-Southampton player – Cheap, tons of PL experience

Spending eight years of his life contracted to Southampton, Maya Yoshida became an important part of the St Mary’s team for a while.

The Japan international ended up making 194 appearances for the club, 154 of which came in the Premier League, before heading out on loan to Sampdoria, where he eventually signed permanently.

He’s a veteran of English football to say the least, which is why it appears Eddie Howe is set to target him in the January transfer window for Newcastle United.

That’s according to TuttoMercatoWeb, who reveal that ‘an enquiry’ from the Magpies ‘is to be recorded’ for the Sampdoria player, whose contract with the Serie A side expires in the summer.

He would be a cheap, experienced option for Howe and his staff to work with as they try and steady the ship at St James’ Park going forward, with their recent 4-0 defeat to Manchester City only cementing their position in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

While Newcastle have a lot of money to spend, it might be these signings that are needed first to ensure the Championship is avoided before targeting bigger and younger players.