Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi, according to reports.

The Ukrainian international has formed an impressive partnership with Dean Huijsen this season and the I Paper claim that the Magpies have taken a liking to the player.

Zabarnyi made the switch to the Vitality Stadium from Dynamo Kyiv at the end of the 2023 January transfer window. It means he has been playing in the Premier League for close to two years.

At 22 years of age, the centre-half is developing all the time, having been described as “excellent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig following the 2-0 win over Burnley back in March last year.

Newcastle will have competition for the centre-back

The I Paper report that Eddie Howe’s side are not the only club watching Zabarnyi. Chelsea have also been weighing up a potential move for Ukrainian in recent weeks.

They have lost two centre-halves – Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile – to long-term injuries so they are considering whether to delve into the market for potential reinforcements at the back.

Ironically, one of the Blues’ main alternatives is believed to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi – the player that Newcastle pushed hard to sign last summer.

Signing Zabarnyi would make sense

Considering that the Magpies have had to do without Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for long spells due to serious injuries, many fans felt that the club should have gone into the market for a new centre-back before now.

Of course, now Botman is back fit and available, there is less of a need to sign someone like Zabarnyi. However, with Lascelles’ contract expiring at the end of the season, and with both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger, the club need to be looking at potential replacements soon.

Based on his performances this season, Zabarnyi seems to be a strong candidate. Of course, a lot will depend on how much Bournemouth want for the player.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here