Dominik Szoboszlai looked like Newcastle United’s alternative to James Maddison, but now the Magpies are looking for an alternative to the alternative.
June 30th was a big day in the race to sign Szoboszlai, with his £60million release clause due to expire. It was claimed that RB Leipzig were braced for bids, and it has led to Liverpool stepping up their interest.
It was reported on Friday that Newcastle are now out of the race to sign the 22-year-old, with Liverpool now confident they are going to bring him to Anfield.
That is reportedly what the player wants, with even the lure of Champions League football unable to tempt the midfielder to Tyneside.
Eddie Howe will therefore have to look elsewhere for his next major signing, and a report from the Northern Echo has hinted at who they might turn to.
Newcastle could turn to Khephren Thuram
According to the Northern Echo, Khephren Thuram is who Newcastle have been considering as an alternative to Szoboszlai.
There have been plenty of stories about the Frenchman moving to St James’ Park, although it felt like our interest was over when the Sandro Tonali deal was agreed.
But it appears that Thuram, who has been described as ‘hardworking‘, is still a target for Howe, who is keen for the club to bring in another ‘high calibre‘ midfielder after the Tonali deal is confirmed. That is expected to happen on Monday, with the Italian due to arrive in the North East over the next few days.
Thuram certainly falls into the ‘high calibre’ bracket, and is someone who head of recruitment Steve Nickson really likes.
While missing out on Szoboszlai is disappointing, that disappointment will disappear if it leads to a move for the Nice midfielder. He is an exceptional talent, and a deal would serve as revenge over Liverpool, who are also looking to sign the Ligue 1 sensation.
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