Newcastle United are preparing a January bid for Besiktas’ highly sought after defender Domagoj Vida, according to Takvim.
The experienced Croatia international was a summer target for Premier League duo Norwich City and West Ham United, but neither completed a move for the 79-cap defender now also being courted by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Graham Potters’ Amex Stadium natives are expected to join us in presenting a firm offer for Vida in the mid-season window, with both clubs thought to be preparing €10million (£8.5m) bids for the 30-year-old centre-half.
Vida has been a mainstay of Abdullah Avcı’s side at Vodafone Park this term, starting ten of their 11 Super Lig fixtures and each of their four Europa League Group Stage ties thus far.
He has also faced Premier League opposition in UEFA’s secondary competition, albeit losing 1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers when the two sides met at the start of last month.
But Vida has often been a brick wall in the Super Lig this term, as Besiktas look to climb up the table after a poor start saw the Black Eagles take two wins in their opening eight games.
The 6ft centre-half has only been dribbled past once in the Turkish top-flight thus far this term, and has recorded 13 interceptions, 16 blocks, 24 clearances and won 22 aerial duels, per WhoScored data.
Should Newcastle sign Vida?
Yes, absolutely
No, he isn't good enough
Vida has also been a mainstay of the Croatia national squad since March 2017, missing just two of 35 games and has played the full ninety minutes in the last 13, captaining the side twice.
Newcastle’s board are widely reported to be considering January moves for players that can improve who is on offer to Steve Bruce, with the boss keen to add a new central midfielder and attacking options to his squad.