Football
Exclusive: Newcastle and Spurs Join Manchester United in Race for Elche Star David Affengruber
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to challenge Manchester United for the signing of talented centre-back David Affengruber. The 24-year-old Austrian has impressed with Sturm Graz and Elche, caught the eye of top clubs, and is a target for the upcoming transfer window. His desire to play in England makes him a sought-after prospect in Europe.
CA Osasuna v Elche CF - LaLiga EA Sports by Ion Alcoba Beitia | Getty Images
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are ready to rival Manchester United for the signature of sought-after centre-back David Affengruber, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 24-year-old defender has quickly become hot property after some strong performances for Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga, before a move to Spanish outfit Elche, where he also impressed last season and this so far.
And our sources understand that both the Magpies and Spurs are looking to beat United for the defender’s signature when the transfer window re-opens next month.
Austrian Affengruber is widely-regarded as a star for the future and one for his country having represented them at Under-19 and Under-21 levels respectively.
He was a key player for Graz, who didn’t want him to leave, but a desire to play in Spain first, and then eventually England, is what has driven the player on.
Affengruber joined Graz from Red Bull Salzburg on a three-year deal before a free transfer to Elche.
Newcastle are shaping up for a hectic January window, with the club also preparing to go head-to-head with Aston Villa for on-loan Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Jackson.
COMMANDING DISPLAYS
He played 41 games for the club last season and was watched by a host of scouts, many of whom wintnessed a series of commanding displays at the back.
Regarded as a natural leader, Affengruber has always held a desire to play in England, but a move up from the Spanish Second Division would undoubtedly be a big leap.
But our sources have learnt scouts have been impressed with the defender’s maturity, calmness under pressure and leadership qualities.
And there is also likely the advantage of a cut-price fee being involved with Elche having not paid a few for him.
The Magpies, Spurs and Reds are all looking to strengthen their defences with a centre-back, with the January transfer window the next chance to make welcome additions.
Interest in Europe is also expected for Affengruber, but according to sources, the chance to play in the English top-flight is his priority.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.