Transfer News: Newcastle United interested in Zaidu Sanusi

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing FC Porto’s 24-year-old Nigerian left-back Zaidu Sanusi, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Magpies bolstered their ranks in January with five new signings worth a total of over £90million. What’s more, they bolstered all outfield areas of the pitch.

In defence, they added left-back Matt Targett, centre-back Dan Burn and right-back Kieran Trippier.

But while England international Trippier was their top target at right-back, Targett was only a deadline day loan signing from Aston Villa.

Eddie Howe’s side are now looking at Porto left-back Sanusi.

Sanusi signed for Porto in the summer of 2020 after impressing at fellow Premiere Liga side Santa Clara. The 24-year-old proved to be an unearthed gem for Sérgio Conceição’s side and finished his first year with 41 competitive appearances for the Dragões, featuring in all of their Champions League fixtures while also starring in the Round of 16 tie against Juventus as they knock the Italian heavyweights out of the competition. Indeed, the Nigerian’s hugely effective displays at left-back have not gone unnoticed across the continent, as he became the subject of serious interest from West Ham on deadline day last summer, but a deal never materialised with Porto’s hefty demands hampering the Premier League side’s pursuit. The nine-capped Nigerian international has been largely out of favour earlier this campaign, but has since regained the first-choice left-back status at the club. With him open to leaving Porto, his future is likely to be in the spotlight for the next few days.