According to The Telegraph, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach are on Newcastle’s list of alternatives should we fail to strike a deal for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Luke Edwards reveals that both Frenchmen have been on our shortlist for ‘over a year’ and are being considered once again, while the club hasn’t given up on Onana; despite the Toffees’ £50m asking price and reluctance to agree to any loan-to-buy deal.
This isn’t the first time we’ve been linked with Thuram and Kone, who appear to have been watched by club scouts for some time. With Kalvin Phillips now unlikely to sign due to Man City’s demands and a big-money move for Onana complicated, they could be ones to watch; even if there are concerns over signing foreign imports midway through the season.
22-year-old Thuram is the son of former Barcelona and Juventus defender Lilian Thuram and is highly regarded at Nice, who currently sit second in Ligue 1. He ranks in the top three percent for progressive ball carries in the league and offers a physical presence at 6ft 3′.
Kone, also 22, ranks highly for successful take-ons in the Bundesliga averaging over 2.3 per match. He also averages 2.85 tackles per match and again seems like a good match for Joelinton in playstyle. Gladbach are currently 10th in Bundesliga.
