It’s no secret that Newcastle will be in the market for a new midfielder this summer and we can reveal two names that have been watched closely by the club over the past 12 months.
Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers correspondent Jacque Talbot has confirmed our interest in Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach.
As we revealed last June in a previous exclusive, the club held informal discussions with Nice last summer over a potential move for Thuram, who has since gone on to become one of the top midfielders in Ligue 1, earning him a call-up to the France national squad.
We’re told that Newcastle have been keeping a close eye on Thuram and Kone in their search for a new holding midfielder, although it remains to be seen if either will become priority targets this summer, with Liverpool also showing interest in the highly-rated duo.
Both are expected to seal big moves this summer, with Talbot expecting the pair to leave for fees in the region of £30-40m. Here’s what he told us:
“Khephren Thuram is considered one of best – if not the number one – performing Ligue 1 central midfielders playing today.
“There were talks between his side and Newcastle last summer, albeit tentative, and it’s not clear whether they will go back in again this window.
“At the time, noises from France suggested Nice valued him around £25m, which is extraordinary considering his ability. Time has passed and undoubtedly his price has gone up since then, with him shining both domestically and on Nice’s route to the Europa Conference League quarter finals.
“I hear around £32m might be enough to Nice to sit down, but that fee could increase given his recent rise. Liverpool have shown interest in him and remain admirers ahead of the window. What’s key is that Thuram, recently called up to the France squad, is almost certain to leave in the upcoming window. He will go.
“Interestingly, The Athletic reported Newcastle have been looking in France and Germany at central midfielder, but didn’t reveal who. This brings me onto Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach. He’s another Newcastle have watched who is likely to leave this summer at around the £40m mark.
“Again Liverpool are also keen – but talks have not developed since late last year. Both he and Thuram have been tipped to become future stars who would come in for a minimal cost, especially when you look at the likes of Jude Bellingham, who is likely to demand £120m.”
