Newcastle United are now exploring a move to sign an “extraordinary” £35 million defender ahead of Leeds United, according to a recent report.

Newcastle confident of landing Kudus after missing out on key targets

It has so far been a difficult transfer window for the Magpies, even though they secured a place in next season’s Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side have already missed out on signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, as the Cameroon international closes in on a move to Manchester United, and they have now missed out on Joao Pedro, as he joins Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga is also another target of Newcastle’s, but they have already seen a bid rejected, and the Reds are determined to keep their winger. That means Newcastle are having to identify alternative targets, and according to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle are now confident they can sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The Hammers are looking to sell the attacker in this transfer window, and therefore, they are likely ready to accept less for him than his £85 million release clause.

Newcastle explore move to sign £35m defender ahead of Leeds

As the Magpies weigh up a move for Kudus, according to reliable reporters Craig Hope and Simon Jones of The Daily Mail, Newcastle are looking into a move to sign defender Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille.

The Magpies are in need of a new centre-back this summer, and their search has now taken them to Balerdi, who is the captain of the French side.

The report states that Juventus have been looking into a move for the player, but given their financial situation, Newcastle sense an opportunity to pounce and beat them to his signature. However, they also face Leeds United in this race for the Argentine international, as back in May, they were given a boost in their pursuit as the player refused to rule out a move in this transfer window.

The 26-year-old played 27 times in Ligue 1 last season under former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, and given he is under contract until the summer of 2028, Marseille are looking to get around £35 million for his services should he leave this summer.

The French side are back in the Champions League next season, but the Magpies will hope the offer to play in the Premier League can help bring the Argentina international to St. James’ Park.

De Zerbi has only worked with the defender for a season, but the Marseille boss was left impressed by his performances last season, as he labelled Balerdi “extraordinary”. He said: “Balerdi? I hope that the big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I say every night before going to sleep that I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player."