Newcastle United will be able to get a first-hand look at Brighton star Yves Bissouma in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
The Magpies were linked with a big-money move for the Seagulls’ influential midfielder during the January transfer window by the Mail.
Graham Potter’s side reportedly wanted £50million for the 25-year-old who has less than 18 months left on his current contract, but a move for the Malian international never came to fruition.
Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa are also interested in signing the former Lille man, but the Toon Army’s new found riches could swing the pendulum in our favour.
Eddie Howe’s side are only five points and one place behind the Villains in the Premier League table.
But at St James’ Park on Saturday, the former Bournemouth manager will see his side come up against Brighton’s number eight.
Bissouma impressed against Newcastle earlier in the season
Howe was sat alongside Jason Tindall and Amanda Staveley for the reverse clash at the Amex Stadium back in November when the game finished 1-1.
It was a game that Bissouma posted some impressive numbers in what was a solid performance.
Only Brighton teammates Marc Cucurella (97) and Lewis Dunk (117) had more touches than the dynamic midfielder (94).
No player from either side made more tackles than the all-action midfield marvel (5) and he also made one interception and two clearances.
An eye-catching performance on Tyneside this Saturday in front of Newcastle’s owners and recruitment team could see him move up the club’s summer wish-list.
The box-to-box midfielder has a good blend of technical, athletic and physical skills that could see him be the perfect anchor in Newcastle’s three-man midfield.
Bissouma’s signature would result in a battle for places alongside the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. but as the project builds, the competition for places will only naturally intensify.
Coming into the game off the back of three straight losses, Potter will be hoping his star man can inspire a change of fortunes for his team.
Newcastle will be targeting another three points, but there will no doubt be some Magpies staff who will be carefully monitoring Yves Bissouma’s every move from the stands.
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