According to reports in France, Newcastle United are showing late interest in highly-rated Lens defender Loic Bade.
This comes from Foot Mercato, who report that we have been tracking the 21-year-old following his outstanding first season with the Ligue 1 minnows.
After arriving from Le Havre last summer, the 6ft 3′ centre-back has already been dubbed ‘the new Raphael Varane’ – a fellow French defender who also made a name for himself at RC Lens before going onto big things at Real Madrid.
Foot Mercato report that Rennes are currently in talks over a deal to sign Bade, however we are one of FOUR sides believed to be considering a late move, with ourselves, Brighton, Villarreal and AC Milan named as contenders.
He fits the bill in terms of age and potential – which may be key if Mike Ashley really is returning to his tedious old transfer policy – however I struggle to believe that we’ll be hijacking Rennes’ bid.
Stranger things have happened, but with the club currently distracted by a legal battle involving Mike Ashley and the Premier League, it feels like all transfer business has been put on hold for now.
Let’s hope I’m wrong and we make a few early moves – especially when pre-season training looks set to resume next week!
