Amiens' French defender Prince-De Gouano (R) vies with Angers' Cameroonian forward Karl Toko Ekambi (L) during the French L1 football match between Angers (SCO) and Amiens (Amiens SC), on January 27, 2018, in Raymond-Kopa Stadium, in Angers. (Getty Images)
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Newcastle beating West Ham to sign this 26-year-old star would be quite a January coup

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Why Newcastle should go all out to sign Amiens defender Prince Gouano

According to Le10Sport (h/t Daily Star), Newcastle United and West Ham are battling for Amiens defender Prince Gouano.

Prince Gouano, 26, has already represented 11 clubs in his career, including Juventus, Atalanta and a short loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in 2015. He has played only a handful of games this season due to injury.

Despite the Paris-born defender’s fitness problems, Newcastle and West Ham are keen on his services. Both Newcastle and West Ham have made it a priority to strengthen their backline (h/t Daily Star), thus their interest in Gouano.

Amiens' French defender Prince Desir Gouano celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Amiens and Rennes at the Licorne stadium in Amiens, on September 26, 2018. (Getty Images)
Amiens’ French defender Prince Desir Gouano celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Amiens and Rennes at the Licorne stadium in Amiens, on September 26, 2018. (Getty Images)

Gouano has been with Amiens since leaving Atalanta in 2017. He is the skipper of the Amiens club but a virus infection has limited him to just three Ligue 1 appearances this campaign.

The former France under-20 international is ready to return to action it remains to be seen if he will get his chances. Having said that, Newcastle must beat West Ham to the 26-year-old centre-back’s signing this month.

The Magpies have been hit with injuries as Steve Bruce currently has 11 players on the sidelines. Out of which five are defenders – Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems.

Although they all are set to return to action at some point this month, Bruce certainly requires depth in that position to beat the drop this term.

That’s why the signing of Prince Gouano makes sense for Newcastle. Standing at 6ft 2in tall, the 26-year-old is comfortable playing in a back four or back three. His impressive 89.2% pass success rate and five clearances, 1 block and 1 tackle, speaks volumes about his overall defending. [Courtesy: WhoScored]

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)

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Undoubtedly a fighter, the Paris-born star would be a great addition to a Newcastle backline which seems to lack vigour and confidence. 

He would have an idea of the demands of English football, having played for Bolton in the 2015/16 season where he started 19 games. Eventually, he moved to Amiens in 2017, where he has been the first choice in the past two and a half years until this recent absence through injury.

Verdict

Newcastle’s recent injury problems have left Bruce with very limited options in defence. Gouano’s inclusion would offer Bruce with more options in defence and help the Magpies solve their ongoing woes.