Newcastle United officials got a close up look at a player they have been interested in signing this summer.
With Eddie Howe eager for the club to bring in a marquee midfielder, there was talk of Khephren Thuram arriving at St James’ Park.
The Nice 22-year-old has been a man in demand, with Liverpool also targeting the Frenchman. However, it looked like their move for Dominik Szoboszlai could open the door for Newcastle to sign Thuram.
But that has not been the case. He is still with Nice, as they prepare for the new Ligue 1 season. And funnily enough, those preparations took them to the North East.
They were part of the four-team Sela Cup that took place at St James’ Park this weekend, which Newcastle won thanks to victories over Fiorentina and Villarreal.
It was a great way to end pre-season for the Magpies, but Howe is still keen for the club to make further signings before the transfer window closes. And that is why his scouts were busy before Newcastle kicked off on Saturday.
Newcastle scouts watch Khephren Thuram
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle’s scouts were in the directors box on Saturday, where they watched Nice face Villarreal. The report states that they were following Thuram’s performance, after considering a move for him earlier this summer.
While it initially sounded like he would be a good addition to Howe’s squad, the midfielder was massively disappointing during his trip to Tyneside.
If this was an audition for the ‘fantastic‘ France international then he failed it.
It is unlikely that Newcastle will make a move for Thuram, especially given his £52million price tag. That is a lot of money for the Magpies, who are not looking to sign another centre-midfielder at this moment in time.
Instead, the club are focussing their efforts on finding a centre-back once a deal for Tino Livramento is finalised.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
