Whenever a free agent is floated on the transfer market, expect there to be an awful lot of interest.
While signing a player can never truly be considered free given the wages involved at the top of the game, not having to pay a transfer fee is clearly a huge bonus for interested parties.
So then, signing Marcus Thuram looks rather difficult this summer.
The French forward has strongly been linked with a move to Newcastle United and is widely expected to leave current club Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer at the end of his contract.
Still, while the 25-year-old is thought to hold a good relationship with Allan Saint-Maximin, that might not be enough to get him.
Inter Milan make move to sign Marcus Thuram
Indeed, TEAMtalk claim Newcastle have spoken to the forward about the prospect of a move to England this summer.
Having been able to talk to foreign clubs since January, conversations are said to have taken place.
However, the report also adds that Inter Milan believe they are favourites to land Thuram after talks of their own.
Newcastle will know their price
Free agents of course have the chance to pit bidding clubs against each other in order to get the best deal possible.
While there is no suggestion Thuram is currently doing that, it is certainly within his right given his contractual status.
Clearly, signing a French international – one hailed as ‘world class’ by Mönchengladbach sporting director Marcel Schäfer – to have scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga this season sounds like a tempting prospect, particularly for a team who have struggled for goals.
Still, Newcastle will know their price. Indeed, they walked away from the Jesse Lingard deal when wage demands became too high. Despite the club’s backing, little about their conduct in the transfer market since the takeover would suggest they are willing to be held to ransom.
If Thuram comes to St James’ Park, it will surely be on Newcastle’s terms too.
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