Newcastle United are weighing up a summer bid for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone, with the Frenchman ‘high up’ on the club’s list of midfield targets.
The 22-year-old has been tentatively linked with a move to Tyneside, but we’ve been informed he comes highly recommended by our recruitment team and that informal talks took place last year.
Since then, he’s enjoyed an impressive season in the Bundesliga and is expected to land a big move this summer. The former Toulouse talent is valued at around £25m to £30m; a reduced fee that could suit Newcastle after previous suggestions he’s cost in excess of £35m.
Liverpool have also shown interest, but they are more likely to sign fellow Toon target Khephren Thuram, as we revealed in a recent exclusive earlier this month.
Staying with our search for a new No 6, we’ve also been told that Wolves’ Ruben Neves was discussed in a recent recruitment meeting.
Like Kone, the Portuguese international has been linked with Newcastle over the past two transfer windows. However, he’s now approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Molineux and looks almost certain to leave this summer.
A move to Barcelona had been on the cards, yet the noises from Spain suggest the La Liga giants have informed agent Jorge Mendes that the 26-year-old is no longer a target for Xavi.
He’s got bags of Premier League experience, has captained Wolves for several years – leaders will appeal to Eddie Howe – and could be tempted by the chance to play Champions League football at St James’ Park. His contract situation also means a cut-price fee could be negotiated.
Why would Neves move to a lesser club who are operating on Saudie BLOOD money, he wants to move to a big like not some lesser club who fink they are big.
JOHN A DAVIES(Quote)
Or at least, away from a club whose fans can’t even write in English
PremAndUp(Quote)
Respectfully, I think Champions League football at Newcastle – a club on the up who are pushing to be regulars in the top four – is a significant upgrade on Wolves.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I “FINK” John A Davies must be a sad and twisted Mackem.
Joseph(Quote)