Newcastle ‘carry out survey’ to beat Jose Mourinho and Arsenal to cut-price transfer

Premier League managerial departures so far this season

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Newcastle are reportedly weighing up a January swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria but they are not the only club in the race. The Swiss international is expected to be one of the big stories of the winter transfer window as he enters the final six months of his contract.

Zakaria’s stock was high 18 months ago with Manchester City and Chelsea understood to be tracking his development.

But his contract situation with Gladbach has halted his progress as one of the Bundesliga’s finest midfielders.

Now the German club could look to cash in on his services in January in what will be their last chance to receive a fee for the box-to-box, all-action midfielder.

He will be free to speak to other clubs from the turn of the year when he enters the final six months of his deal.

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Roma are the clear frontrunners to sign him with Jose Mourinho said to be hellbent on landing Zakaria.

The former Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea boss is in desperate need of some reinforcements after a difficult opening few months in Rome.

Zakaria’s industrious, determined style is deemed perfect for Mourinho’s engine room.

But according to Italian outlet Siamo La Roma, Newcastle are also in the hunt.

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It’s claimed the Magpies have been carrying out ‘a survey’ on the 24-year-old, to see if he fits the right profile for the club.

Arsenal are also in the fight for his services as they eye a potential free transfer at the end of the season.

Newcastle are keen to ensure they add plenty of quality to their squad when the transfer window reopens.

Eddie Howe is hoping the board are willing to flex their financial muscle in the market with his side in need of a number of new faces.

But for now, he insists he is focused on improving his current group of players as opposed to thinking about new signings.

Howe said: “I have been in football long enough to know that looking too far ahead is a waste of energy, a waste of time.

“My only focus is on the short-term. I have always had a style of management that while I look very short-term I always have an eye on the horizon for what is in the best interests of the football club.

“So certain planning needs to take place for transfer windows and putting things in place, improving infrastructure.

“Improving the Academy and working with young players. So there is a long-term view to what we do.

“But I know in this job currently, I would be foolish to take my eye of what is immediately in front of me.”

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