Liverpool, Newcastle United 'hold talks over Jonathan Tah deal'

Liverpool and Newcastle United have reportedly held discussions over a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

The centre-back has been with Leverkusen since 2015, and in his time with the club he has made 284 appearances, chipping in with eight goals and 11 assists.

Despite having a contract with the Bundesliga side until June 2025, Tah has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest were reportedly keen on securing his services in the January transfer window, but Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was unwilling to part ways with the 27-year-old in the middle of the season.

Although a transfer did not materialise in the winter transfer window, Tah is believed to be keen to complete a move to the English top flight.

© Reuters

According to 90min, Liverpool and Newcastle are both interested in signing the German, and they also spoke to intermediaries about the potential of a January transfer.

With a deal unable to be completed last month, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool and Newcastle will revisit the situation in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp has the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in his defensive ranks, but Joel Matip's future at the club appears to be in doubt.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool have put a £15m price tag on Matip, and if the experienced defender does leave in the summer then Tah could be considered as a potential replacement.

© Reuters

Newcastle, meanwhile, have the best defensive record in the Premier League after conceding only 13 goals in 22 games, but with European football on the horizon, they may want to add strength in depth.

Tah is also attracting interest from West Ham United, who are looking to bolster their defence after Craig Dawson joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.

Tottenham Hotspur discussed Tah with Leverkusen officials last month, but they are supposedly prioritising a transfer for his central defensive partner Piero Hincapie.

Tah has started 17 of Leverkusen's 20 league games this season, including Saturday's 3-1 win over Hoffenheim.