As reported by 90min, Newcastle United officials have been in France in recent months watching three highly-rated Ligue 1 talents.
They report that we’ve been tracking Strasbourg teenager Ismael Doukoure, Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba and Lorient star Enzo Lee Fee.
Starting with Doukoure, 90min report that the 19-year-old defender has been watched by Newcastle and Arsenal scouts over the past year after emerging as one of the best young defenders in Ligue 1. He can play at centre-back and at right-back and has also received interest from PSG, Sevilla and Atalanta.
Then to Baleba; another 19-year-old who has made 13 league appearances this season for Sven Botman’s former side. AC Milan had a bid rejected in January and it’s believed Newcastle sent scouts to watch the youngster, alongside the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and Leicester.
Last but not least, 90min report that Newcastle are also ‘admirers’ of Enzo Le Fee, a France U21 international who has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in Ligue 1.
It’s thought Leicester have identified him as a summer replacement for Youiri Tielemans, but he’ll be hot property after recently announcing he won’t be extending his contract at Lorient; which is due to expire in just over 12 months time.
As ever, only time will tell if anything comes of these latest links, yet it would not surprise me if we are watching all three given the French market often produces quality young players at very reasonable prices.
