Leeds join Newcastle in race to sign Tottenham defender

Jason Soutar
Reported Leeds target Joe Rodon during a warm-up

Leeds have joined the race to sign Tottenham defender Joe Rodon, with Newcastle heavily linked with a January swoop, according to reports.

The Wales international has struggled for game time this term. He has only featured in one Premier League match; a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace.

Rodon has featured heavily in the Europa Conference League, however, but will likely be keen on a move next month.


Newcastle need to flaunt ridiculous wealth in January


Newcastle are in dire need signing defensive reinforcements in January as they aim to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Leeds, who have entered the race to sign the centre-half, according to the Telegraph, have struggled with injuries this season and need to bolster their squad as they also look to avoid the drop.

Pascal Struijk, Diego Llorente, Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips, Robin Koch and Junior Firpo have all had recent injury concerns, so Marcelo Bielsa is keen to strengthen his side when the transfer window re-opens.

As for the Magpies, they have been linked with numerous players since their Saudi-led takeover was complete in October.

One name furiously linked with a move to the north east is Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

However, the former Liverpool star “does not see himself living or playing in Newcastle”, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (as cited by Sport Witness).

Meanwhile, Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Newcastle “need eleven new players” and that the praise Joelinton has received is “baffling”.

“I don’t see anything that I’m watching that shows me any quality,” Agbonlahor said.

“People are raving about Joelinton but how many goals has he scored? How many assists has he got?

“It’s alright looking busy, I just don’t understand. It baffles me.

“They need like 11 new players, seriously. Eight or nine can come straight in. Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin can keep their place but the rest I’d get rid of, to be honest.”