Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell could turn to France as he begins to revamp the Magpies’ recruitment strategy.
There is change ahead at St James’ Park, as Paul Mitchell sets about revolutionising the way that Newcastle United operate in the transfer market.
He was critical of the club’s previous strategy, admitting that it was not fit for purpose. Mitchell now wants Newcastle to sign more players from untapped markets, as there is often a lack of value in domestic transfers.
Eddie Howe has backed Mitchell’s new transfer plan, and it could result in the former Monaco chief leaning on his Ligue 1 expertise.
Newcastle United looking at ‘outstanding’ Ligue 1 talent
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about three Ligue 1 players that Newcastle United are currently looking at.
The first is Maghnes Akliouche, who is a 22-year-old right winger that plays for Monaco. He has made eight appearances so far this season, and recently scored in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.
“Maghnes Akliouche is a top player,” he said.
“He is a winger or a number 10 – an outstanding player. He is fantastic and I could really see him filling that right-hand side position for Newcastle.
“He can play anywhere across the front. He’s the sort of player Newcastle should be in for. He is a player who Paul Mitchell knows well.
“Newcastle have been looking at him, but they are not alone in that.”
Newcastle watch Lucas Chevalier
Bailey has also noted that Newcastle have scouted Lucas Chevalier, who is Lille’s first-choice goalkeeper.
That is a position that Newcastle tried to address in the summer, but failed. Newcastle were interested in Giorgi Mamardashvili and Aaron Ramsdale, while a subsequent move for James Trafford collapsed.
Newcastle are still interested in Trafford, but have also taken a look at the 22-year-old French stopper who recently excelled during Lille’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“He is a very good young goalkeeper,” Bailey said.
“That goalkeeping department is something that Newcastle could address next summer.
“Chevalier is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, an outstanding prospect. Newcastle have watched him.”
Jonathan David on Newcastle’s radar as his contract winds down
The third Ligue 1 player that Newcastle United have shown an interest in is Chevalier’s Lille teammate Jonathan David.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, and is on course to become a free agent in 2025.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle have spoken to David’s representatives, as they aim to discover what kind of wages it would take to bring the Canadian striker to St James’ Park.
But while he is on Newcastle’s radar, Bailey is unsure whether a move to the Premier League in 2025 is on the agenda for David.
“Lille are fully expecting him to leave on a free transfer,” he said.
“He’s playing very well. In American speak, he is in a contract year – he is playing for it and doing very well.
“He is going to have his choice of clubs. Does he arrive in England? I’m not so sure. I know West Ham chose not to go for him in the summer – Tim Stiedten was not sure about him.
“Someone like Newcastle can offer him a contract in January, but he will have a lot of offers. Newcastle are higher up the list [of clubs that could sign him].”
A move for David would be very exciting. He is an outstanding forward, and has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season. David has scored eight goals in 13 appearances, at a time when Newcastle are in the market to sign a striker.
Newcastle are interested in David, and it will be interesting to see if the club follows up its initial approach with a formal offer.
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