Newcastle United exploring central defensive options as Florian Lejeune leaves on loan

Newcastle United are exploring their defensive options in the loan market having allowed Florian Lejeune to depart to La Liga.
Newcastle United's French midfielder Florian Lejeune (C) scores their second late goal in a goalmouth scramble to equalise 2-2 during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2020.Newcastle United's French midfielder Florian Lejeune (C) scores their second late goal in a goalmouth scramble to equalise 2-2 during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2020.
Newcastle United's French midfielder Florian Lejeune (C) scores their second late goal in a goalmouth scramble to equalise 2-2 during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2020.

The Magpies’ first choice duo, when fit, in the centre are Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles with Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett as back ups in the squad.

But having allowed Lejeune to leave to Alaves on a season-long loan, it’s understood Steve Bruce could opt to further strengthen in that department with a loan deal of his own.

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A move for Rob Holding, of Arsenal, has been put on hold after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta performed a u-turn on the player, opting to keep him at the Emirates. As the window goes on, though, don’t rule out the former Bolton man being made available for departure again.

United have also been linked with a move for Galatasaray’s Brazilian central defender, Marcos do Nascimento Teixeira.

Confirming Frenchman Lejeune’s exit, a club statement this morning read: “Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune has completed a loan move to Spanish

La Liga side Deportivo Alavés for the duration of the 2020/21 season.

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Lejeune will be reunited with former Magpies teammate Joselu, who arrived at the Mendizorrotza Stadium last summer, as well as manager Pablo Machín, who coached him during his time at Girona during the 2014/15 season.

“Lejeune has made 44 appearance for Newcastle United since joining from Eibar in summer 2017, scoring twice – with both goals coming in stoppage time during a dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton in January 2020.”