Newcastle United are ‘interested’ in welcoming Chelsea star Jorginho to St James’ Park as a free agent in the summer, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The Magpies are flying high in the Premier League and on course to seal Champions League qualification ahead of next season, but head coach Eddie Howe is still looking to strengthen his squad.
Newcastle transfer news – Jorginho
According to Sky Italia, Newcastle are showing an interest in landing Jorginho and there is a possibility that he will leave Chelsea on a free transfer.
The report suggests the west Londoners will offload the defensive midfielder if they succeed in signing World Cup-winning Argentina international Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Newcastle chief Howe identified Jorginho as a prime target ahead of the winter transfer window opening for business on January 1.
The 31-year-old’s £110,000-per-week Chelsea deal is set to expire in the summer, meaning he is now able to pen a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.
Respected journalist Phillips recently told GiveMeSport that the Blues were preparing to hold talks over fresh terms with Jorginho after the World Cup.
What has Simon Phillips said about Jorginho?
Phillips understands that Newcastle are in the market for Jorginho, but they are looking to hold off luring him to Tyneside until the end of the season.
The journalist is aware that the Magpies are keen to sign him as a free agent instead of having to fork out a fee this month.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: “I know that Newcastle are interested, but I was told that they’re much more interested in the summer, when he could become a free agent.
“Newcastle aren’t that keen to pay a fee for him in January, even though they do want a new midfielder as well.
“They’re looking at lots of other targets and they are looking at Jorginho more as a free agent rather than paying anything.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Jorginho be a good signing for Newcastle?
Jorginho has bags of Premier League experience, having made 139 appearances in the competition, and it is clear that he would make Newcastle even more difficult for opponents to break down.
Sofascore statistics show the Italy international has averaged two tackles, one interception and won possession 0.6 times per top flight outing this season.
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel described Jorginho as being ‘relentless in defence’ and those figures certainly back that up.
He is also fairly reliable from the penalty spot as, over the course of his career, the former Napoli man has scored 41 of his 48 attempts.
Jorginho joined Chelsea for up to £57million in 2018, so securing his services without having to part with a substantial fee would be a shrewd piece of business from Newcastle.
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