Newcastle transfer news: Magpies hold talks with Boubacar Kamara’s reps

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Newcastle United have held talks with Boubacar Kamara’s representatives about a potential summer move to St James’ Park.

The Northern Echo report that the Magpies are aware that they face stiff competition to sign the 22-year-old, but that hasn’t deterred PIF from opening discussions.

The French under-21 international looks set to leave Marseille when his contract expires at the end of June and several of Europe’s top clubs are likely to be chasing his signature.

But after luring fellow Ligue 1 midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to Tyneside in the midst of a relegation battle, the club’s Saudi-led consortium are likely to fancy their chances of convincing Kamara as well.

Signing the defensive midfielder on a free transfer would bolster Eddie Howe’s midfield options and would also free up funds to be spent elsewhere.

Kamara has played 32 games across all competitions for the French giants this season and Marseille president Pablo Longoria seems resigned to losing his star man.

Speaking to the Express, Longoria said: “I believe that, until the end, you have to have hope.

“There is no conflict with Boubacar Kamara. His commitment is unquestioned. I do not hide the fact that a club who developed a player is not in a comfortable situation when they could lose him.”

Aston Villa are one of the teams in the hunt for Kamara (Jeunes Footeux), who supposedly has huge salary demands.

Being the world’s richest club means that Newcastle can offer enticing wage packages, but PIF and Howe will want to be assured that Kamara is joining the club for his ambitious project and not just a pay day.

And with every passing win that moves us up the Premier League table and further away from the relegation zone, the Newcastle project is likely to become more and more appealing for the likes of Boubacar Kamara.

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