Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram is now ‘leaning towards’ a move to Newcastle United, if Bayern Munich fail to reprise their interest.
That’s according to SportBILD and Fussball Transfers. They report the Magpies’ ‘serious’ interest in the Frenchman, who is currently at the World Cup with Didier Deschamps’ side.
Eddie Howe wants to lure the 25-year-old to St James’ Park in January, but the striker wishes to wait until the summer – when his contract expires.
Although he finds other clubs ‘more attractive’, the Toon appear to have illustrated a strong interest. Having previously been on the radar of Bayern Munich, Thuram was veering towards a Bundesliga switch. However, their interest has now cooled.
Therefore, if Bayern fail to return with an offer, the player is said to be ‘leaning towards’ Newcastle and the Premier League.
Despite this, he does not want to ‘give a promise’ to the Tyneside outfit too quickly.
Howe’s move for Thuram now rests on Bayern
Not to discredit the lure and history of the Toon, but any side coming up against the German giants in negotiations face an incredibly difficult ordeal.
Whilst it’s obvious they’re the biggest club in the Bundesliga, Bayern are arguably in the top-five biggest clubs in the world.
Although Newcastle can match them for money, they cannot match them for the opportunity to win silverware.
Furthermore, whilst Howe’s side are on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League, this is not yet a certainty. The Bavarians, on the other hand, are guaranteed year-in and year-out. This is an obvious lure to professionals, as they want to play at the highest level they possibly can.
Having been hailed as a ‘world class striker’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer, this is likely the case for Thuram.
Therefore, if Bayern do reprise their interest, the Magpies face a huge battle in convincing the Frenchman to make the move to Tyneside.