According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United have been in advanced talks with French midfielder Arnaud Lusamba.
This comes from Lee Ryder, who reports that Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson has held a series of ‘high level’ discussions with the former Nice talent in ‘recent weeks’, with him available on a free after failing to agree a new deal with the Ligue 1 club last month.
This isn’t the first time the 23-year-old’s been linked with a summer move to St James’ Park, with it being reported several weeks ago that we were looking to beat a host of European clubs to his signature.
While we’re a club in limbo in many respects, with a takeover STILL not decided upon, the free agent arrival of Mark Gillespie recently proved that we are still looking to do the odd deal here and there – whether a Saudi bid is approved or not.
With that in mind, could Lusamba be a potential Matty Longstaff replacement if the 20-year-old does in end up leaving for Italy? Perhaps.
Elsewhere, The Mail Online are reporting that Steve Bruce has been eyeing up a surprise move for versatile Sheffield United star Chris Basham.
The Hebburn born star, who was a boyhood Sunderland fan and released by NUFC’s Academy at 16, epitomises the Blades’ dramatic rise to the top flight in recent seasons, performing brilliantly in his first year at Premier League level after several years in League One.
He would join a host of players at the club from the area, linking up with Dummett, Carroll, the Longstaff’s and latest signing and local lad Mark Gillespie.
The 32-year old is a versatile central defender and could be available on the cheap with him now entering the final year of his current deal.
Chris Wilder will be keen to keep him, and this is yet another rumour that may mean nothing if a takeover goes through and our transfer plans change, however The Mail claim we’ll also face competition from Burnley.
Chris Basham? Yeah – I’m sure the Saudis would really love him in their team.
taken4mugs(Quote)
While he is a decent player, hardly one for the future, and is he better than we have???
Terry Syson(Quote)
The Saudis aren’t in charge yet though, so I take links like this as potential players we MIGHT look at if it fails.
The club have to plan just incase it doesn’t happen!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Pure *****
Thomas Finlay(Quote)
Not having a makum like
Lee(Quote)