While it looks like Newcastle United’s incoming transfer business is over for the summer, one player who Eddie Howe looked at signing is still on the market.
With just over a week to go before the window slams shut, Khephren Thuram is still a Nice player.
The 22-year-old was heavily linked with joining Newcastle earlier in the summer, and is someone who the Magpies considered going all in for before getting Sandro Tonali.
Talk of a move then intensified again when it was suggested that Newcastle could bid for the Frenchman as an alternative to Dominik Szoboszlai. However, that did not happen.
Thuram was actually at St James’ Park earlier this month, competing in the prestigious Sela Cup at St James’ Park. Newcastle scouts watched him closely that weekend, but he did not majorly impress.
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He is someone who Newcastle could perhaps revisit in the future, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has hinted that he could still change clubs in the next week or so.
Khephren Thuram could still be on the move
In his latest column for Caught Offside, Romano has provided an update on the futures of Thuram and Manu Kone, two players who Newcastle have been linked with. They were also major targets for Liverpool earlier in the summer.
“Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone attracted interest from Liverpool earlier in the summer, so what’s going on now?” he wrote.
“At the moment there’s nothing advanced or concrete, they are expensive players so it’s normal. Sometimes you have to decide and Liverpool preferred to invest in different kind of players.
“It looks quiet as of today, but for sure they could be two to watch until Deadline Day.”
No chance of a Newcastle approach
While Romano thinks that Thuram is one to watch between now and deadline day, there is no chance of Newcastle United making a move.
He is certainly a player who the recruitment team admire, but that is not going to result in a late approach from the Magpies.
The money simply is not there, while Howe is surely more than happy with his midfield options. He already has Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson sitting on the bench, while Joe Willock is yet to return from injury. On top of that, 17-year-old Lewis Miley can’t even get in the matchday squad despite an excellent pre-season at senior level.
Thuram is an immensely talented footballer, but he is not what Newcastle need right now. However, he might be up someone else’s alley…