Yesterday, Sky Sports confirmed that Newcastle had made a move for Olivier Ntcham by contacting Celtic over a potential loan deal.
Less than 24 hours later, Anthony Joseph – Sky’s Scottish correspondent – claims that Marseille are now showing late interest, with Lyon also named as admirers.
Crucially, he also reports that it’s Sky Sports’ understanding that the 24-year-old’s preferred move is a return to France.
This may not matter should we manage to land the likes of Choudhury, Willock or Maitland-Niles on loan, however this could be a potential blow for Steve Bruce if Ntcham really is his alternative should the names mentioned above prove unattainable over the next 24 hours.
That said, Sky insist that Celtic are keen for any taker to include a clause to buy the former France U-21 at the end of the season – something Marseille and Lyon may be reluctant to commit to given the financial damage of COVID-19 in Ligue 1.
It’s also worth noting that Ntcham is represented by the same agency as Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Dwight Gayle. This could play a part, but talk of him preferring a return to his homeland isn’t exactly what we wanted to hear.
Either way, it seems the former Man City talent and Le Havre youth product will be one to watch between now and Monday’s 11pm deadline.
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