Newcastle United linked with Strasbourg's Gerzino Nyamsi as Eddie Howe eyes further defensive reinforcements

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Strasbourg defender Gerzino Nyamsi. The 25-year-old stands at an impressive 6ft 5in and has also been linked with a move to both Leeds United and Napoli.

The Frenchman enjoyed a strong season with the blue-and-whites last season, starting 33 of the club's 38 Ligue 1 games last as Julien Stéphan's men finished 6th. With four years left on his current contract, any attempts to lure the player away from France would take a sizeable fee with the Magpies also in the midst of completing a deal for fellow Ligue 1 defender Sven Botman.

According to reports posted on Sunday by the Daily Mail, Eddie Howe does wish to further strengthen his backline this summer, with Nyamsi identified as another player who could very much fit the bill. His 2021-22 stats were impressive too, the former Rennes man won 21 of his 35 attempted tackles and a further 90 of his 135 aerial duels last season, ranking him as the 9th best defender for headers in France.

United have of course already added both Matt Targett and Nick Pope so far, with Reims forward Hugo Ekitike's move somewhat stalling as Howe looks to make a mark during his first full season in the North East. With only Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and potentially Botman at the club in terms of centre backs heading into next season, it is no wonder why the Magpies have been linked with a move for the player.