Newcastle United ‘one to watch’ in £35m defender race as Arsenal chase Aston Villa talisman

It was another busy weekend of Premier League action, with results that caused quite a stir at both ends of the table. None caught the eye more than Newcastle United’s 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United, however, and there is a distinctly Toon-focused flavour to today’s top flight transfer rumour round-up.

From apparent links with a promising South American defender, to revelations that Liverpool could swoop to sign one of Eddie Howe’s best players, it’s all systems go on Tyneside when it comes to the gossip-front.

Check out all of today’s latest whispers below...

Newcastle linked with Hincapie

Newcastle United could look to make a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie next summer, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs. The precocious defender is currently making waves in Germany, and has been linked with the Magpies before, but it is understood that up until now, no serious interest in a potential deal has been expressed.

That could all change, however, with Jacobs claiming that the Ecuadorian 21-year-old may emerge as a concrete target for United in the coming months. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I would keep an eye probably next summer on Hincapie as well for Newcastle. They didn’t seriously entertain anything over the summer and he’s contracted at Bayer Leverkusen until 2027 I believe, so there wasn’t necessarily a realistic chance of them selling last summer.

“But that’s a player that would love to play in the Premier League and if anyone puts down £35 million, he is going to push for that move to England for sure. West Ham United are the other club that have taken a little look at Hincapie.

“So Newcastle could be one to watch there, we’ll have to wait and see. But I do think there’ll be in the market for a centre back at some point in 2024, whether January or whether next summer.”

The 3AM Verdict: This makes all the sense in the world. Newcastle could probably do with defensive reinforcements in the long-term, and who better to make a play for than one of the most promising young defenders in world football? At £35 million, Hincapie would be relatively affordable, and this feels like a deal that could very easily come to fruition.

Arsenal in Watkins talks

Elsewhere, Football Transfers report that Arsenal have held talks with Ollie Watkins’ agent over a potential move to North London. The Aston Villa striker has been linked with the Gunners before, but it would appear that Emirates transfer chief Edu is eager to keep his pursuit of the 27-year-old alive.

As such, preliminary discussions have been held with the player’s representative, Paulo Vernazza. It is understood that Watkins - who Villa are currently trying to tie down to a new deal - is seeking around £150,000 per week in his next contract, and is attracting interest from Chelsea too.

The 3AM Verdict: Much like Ivan Toney, it feels like only a matter of time before Watkins earns himself to one of the traditional big six. That being said, given the current trajectory of Unai Emery’s project at Villa Park, it might not be too much of a shock if he can be persuaded to stay for a little while longer.

Liverpool eye Bruno Guimaraes

And finally, Liverpool have not given up hope of luring Bruno Guimaraes away from Newcastle United, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Despite enacting something of a midfield rebuild over the summer, it is understood that the Reds are still open to bringing in more players in that department, and that the Brazilian remains a target - even as he prepares to ink a fresh deal in the North East.

Romano claims that Liverpool have continued to monitor Guimaraes even after failing with a move for him over the summer, and could look to try again in coming transfer windows.

The 3AM Verdict: Bruno is a superb talent, and it is little wonder that a club like Liverpool would want to sign him. With a new contract on Tyneside looming, however, and with Newcastle in rude health as far as their own project is progressing, it may well be an uphill battle for the Reds to prise him away from St. James’ Park.