North-East reporter offers transfer update after news that Stoke star is ‘keen’ on NUFC move

After claims today that Stoke’s Badou Ndiaye is ‘keen’ on a move to NUFC, the Chronicle have admitted that he is a player Newcastle have been watching and someone who has impressed Rafa Benitez in the past.

Chris Waugh insists that Newcastle don’t appear to have made a firm offer for the Senegal international ‘as things stand’, however their update the 27-year-old suggests there could be something in claims that he could sign at St James’ Park this summer.

Here’s what the Chronicle’s reporter had to say during their Q&A today after being asked the following question on the rumoured interest in Ndiaye:

Q1: Any update on talk of Ndiaye offer & him being keen to join? Would make a lot of sense to me so hoping it’s true. Linked with him several times before Stoke got him, presumably being sold after their relegation, Merino replacement needed.

“Newcastle United were very keen on Badou Ndiaye six months ago – and it is understood the Magpies scouted the midfielder for an extended period.

“Benitez is understood to have been impressed by the feedback he received on the Senegal midfielder ahead of the January window

“However, as we all know, finances proved to be tight during the mid-season window, and Rafa Benitez was unable to make a permanent acquisition and only three loan signings arrived.

“Once Stoke City offered £14million for Ndiaye, Newcastle knew they were never going to get near that fee and turned their attention elsewhere, with the priority at the time signing a goalkeeper and a striker.

“I have not heard specifically that Newcastle have rekindled their interest in Ndiaye yet, but I do know Benitez did like what he saw from the midfielder during his time at Galatasaray, having received a number of positive reports.

“Ndiaye himself appears keen to leave Stoke this summer and, if Mikel Merino departs Tyneside, perhaps the Potters midfielder could be a potential replacement – particularly if he was made available for loan.

“As things stand though, it does not seem as though Newcastle have made a firm bid, even in spite of these reports out in Turkey.”

So, as per with Newcastle, it sounds like we are yet to make a bid (as far as they know anyhow), but there could be something in these claims linking him with a move to Tyneside.

We’ve been scouting him, Benitez seems to be a fan, he looks set to leave Stoke and we need a Merino replacement.

There’s been a lot of rubbish reported by the media this summer, but I’ve got a feeling there could be something in this one.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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