Rumoured Newcastle United target Toni Borevkovic has addressed reports linking the Rio Ave defender with a move away from the Liga NOS.
Claims from Portugal earlier in the window suggested Toon scouts had been joined by staff working for numerous English sides at the Estadio dos Arcos this season, to cast their judgment over the 22-year-old.
The young centre-half was believed to have emerged as a winter target for head coach Steve Bruce, having excelled in the Portuguese top-flight under former Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal.
United were not leading the race for his signature at the time, and no move will be made by the Magpies before Friday’s deadline strikes with Bruce confirming that our winter spending is likely over following the arrival of Danny Rose on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Championship side Blackburn Rovers were tipped to be at the front of the queue for the Croatia youth international, though Borevkovic has told to O Jogo, via Sport Witness, that as nice as the alleged interest is, he is only focused on performing at his current side.
“When I got to Rio Ave, I knew I would have to play good games and be consistent in order to be able to go even further,” Borevkovic said.
“Of course, it is good to know that we are being watched and that there may already be some interest, but I have to continue working to improve even more.
“I’m just focused on Rio Ave to make a great season and I don’t pay much attention to the news.”
Did we need to sign a new CB this month?
Yes
No
Borevkovic has started 22 of his 23 appearances in all competitions this term, with 17 Liga NOS outings and pivotal roles in Carvalhal’s Allianz Cup and Taca de Portugal Placard plans.
The 22-year-old has averaged 0.9 successful tackles from 1.3 attempts per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight this term, along with 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 fouls, 3.6 clearances, 1.2 blocks and 1.4 successful aerial duels from 2.3 contests, per WhoScored data.
He would likely be one for the future had Bruce signed him this month so missing out in the January window should not come back to hurt us this term, and allow club scouts a chance to continue monitoring his development at a side currently three points outside the Europa League qualifying places.
In other Newcastle United news, two European giants have been linked with a Toon talent.