Hamza Choudhury very nearly arrived at St James’ Park back on deadline day in January, and it looks like we’re eyeing a similar deal for the Leicester midfielder over six months later.
Speaking on the Everything’s Black and White podcast this week, The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas has revealed that we are still showing ‘serious interest’ in the former England U21 talent.
Interestingly, he also states that the player himself is keen on a move to Tyneside, having seen a move to Newcastle fall through at the 11th hour earlier this year.
It would undoubtedly be a loan deal given Bruce’s latest comments on the lack of money to spend, however it remains to be seen if Leicester will let him leave.
They blocked the move after failing to sign a replacement back in January, yet that stance may have changed now former Toon target Boubakary Soumare has arrived from Lille to beef up their midfield options even further.
Here’s what Mark Douglas has had to say, feeling this one has a ’50/50′ chance of going through before next week’s deadline:
“Hamza Choudhury is one of the players that’s been talked about.
“I know that there’s some serious interest there and I know that the player himself is open to that move as well, and would be keen on it.
“But it’ll depend on whether Leicester believe that letting him come out to Newcastle is a good move.
“He needs games, but having said that, they’re obviously fighting on a few fronts themselves this season.
“So is that realistic? I’d say it’s 50/50.”
Based on Bruce’s comments earlier this week, the big issue could be the lack of space in his 25-man squad – especially if setbacks for Dubravka and Darlow see him select FOUR goalkeepers.
That said, there could yet be late movement, with Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden both being linked with moves away over the past week and Matty looking set to join Aberdeen.
One to watch between now and 11pm next Tuesday, however we won’t be holding our breath based on the snail-paced summer we’ve endured so far!
