Newcastle and Liverpool have been linked with Atalanta midfielder Tin Kupminus.
Newcastle are said to have ‘taken a step back’ to sign Atalanta midfielder Tyn Koopmeiners, who is also set to join Liverpool.
Eddie Howe decided to bring in a new centre-back in January to replace Sandro Tonali, who was banned for 10 months for gambling offences. A number of players have been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks, including Manchester City star Calvin Phillips and Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.
Koopmeiners were also targeted by the Magpies. He is considered one of the best midfielders in Serie A and has attracted the interest of several top European clubs.
The Dutch footballer joined Atalanta in 2021. He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 93 appearances for the Italian club.
One of the most impressive features of Koopmeiners is their versatility. He has the ability to play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, which many of his suitors wish he had.
Newcastle are understood to be keen to sign a loan deal rather than a permanent deal so they can comply with the Premier League’s (formerly Financial Fair Play) stability and income rules.
However, Atalanta are unlikely to let one of their key players go out on loan, so Newcastle may have to look elsewhere for a new midfielder.
According to Italian publication Tutto Juve, Atalanta will only consider offers worth more than £55m for Kupmeiners in the January transfer window.
As a result, Newcastle are “slow” in their efforts to sign the talented Dutchman.They will reportedly face “significant obstacles” in strengthening their midfield in January. One of them is “possible breach of financial fair play” and “impact on Newcastle’s transfer business”.
The Magpies fear FFP after Everton were found guilty of foul play and dropped an unprecedented 10 points.
As mentioned above, Liverpool are interested in Koopmeiners, while Juventus and Inter are also competing to sign him. With Newcastle unlikely to land the midfielder, Liverpool may have a better chance of signing him this winter.
