A new transfer link has emerged on Monday afternoon, and it could make a lot of sense for Newcastle United.
Malick Thiaw is on Tyneside completing his medical and there is confidence Brentford’s Yoane Wissa will soon follow him through the door. But further additions are required, especially some added creativity from midfield.
As revealed by The Telegraph’s Midlands reporter John Percy, Newcastle are showing ‘strong interest’ in a Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss.
Newcastle are looking into a deal that could bring the Moroccan international to St James’ Park, aware of the fact he has a release clause in his contract, rumoured to be worth £22.5m.
After impressing in an otherwise dismal relegation season for the Foxes last term, the 21-year-old shone in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, assisting both goals.
Other Premier League clubs are thought to be interested in the versatile attacker, with newly-promoted Leeds named as one of the sides in the mix for his signature.
El Khannouss can operate as an attacking midfielder or play down either flank, with the former an intriguing option for Eddie Howe given the current squad lacks a natural No.10 able to play in those pockets of space against a low block.
The playmaker managed three goals and six assists last season, but was a bright spark in a poor team following a move from Belgian giants KRC Genk 12 months ago.
Worth the risk at that price. Half decent season and could flip him for a profit
Bob Dodsworth(Quote)
Not bad, but for a similar price we could get James McAtee from City – a player that really impresses me.
Not sure what wages each would be looking for mind but McAtee has played and won with both Gordon & Tino at England U21 level – so feels like he could slot into the squad quite quickly.
He has that City pedigree as well so would be my pick.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Absolute no brainer for me. The fee is nothing in todays market and we need a versatile midfielder, and brings the age of the squad down. Got to be jumping straight on this!
Sam Falkous(Quote)
Antonio “we are just meat to the clubs”!
Aye bloody well paid meat I would say, these footballers want to try and do a proper job for a living and realise just how privileged they are.
Joseph(Quote)
I get his point that they are bought and sold like commodities but yeah he could try collecting bins for a week on minimum wage and see how that compares.
I’m sure he would feel better about being meat then. Meat that can afford to retire at 35 and do whatever he pleases for the rest of life in lavish comfort.
That probably sounds like jealousy but it’s not really, just don’t whine about your situation when there’s millions of people a lot worse off who bear life with better grace.
Johnny Mac(Quote)
More on topic though, this sounds like a great squad option for us, and if nothing else we can sell later for a decent fee you imagine. Another Lloyd Kelly type deal?
Johnny Mac(Quote)
Looks like a right handful and an excellent ball-controlling player. A no-brainer, try and get him.
Lyle(Quote)
Get him on that plane to Tyneside ASAP folks This lad brings that edge of technical quality, unpredictability and class on the ball which NUFC simply don’t possess at the ball. Price is an absolute NO BRAINER but any faffing about or dilly dallying and someone else nips in to do another deal steal
Jonah J(Quote)
Get him in!
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Defo sign this lad up he’s a bargain at that price, plus gonna b a big upgrade on Longstaff.
Marty B(Quote)
When Leicester is promoted back next season to epl his transfer release clause will double or triple the current £20m.
So no brainer here activate the release clause now and sell him for good profit in 3 years time.
Chun mun(Quote)