Newcastle United have been linked with signing Marcus Thuram this summer, and we suddenly have less competition for the French forward.
Thuram is set to become a free agent, and is reportedly a target for Newcastle. He was linked during the January transfer window, and it has since been claimed that the Magpies are in pole position to secure his signature.
Whether or not that is true remains to be seen, but a new report from Germany claims that two of the major clubs in the conversation are no longer interested.
Bayern and Chelsea not interested in Marcus Thuram
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are not interested in signing Thuram ahead of next season.
Bayern have been linked by other outlets, but Plettenberg writes that the Bavarians are ‘still not interested in signing him’.
As for Chelsea, they were heavily linked with agreeing a deal for Thuram during January – back when they were signing everyone and anyone.
They failed to complete a deal for the 25-year-old, and now Plettenberg claims that they have moved on and will not be reigniting their interest.
He wrote: “He still wants to leave Gladbach as a free agent in summer. Bayern is still not interested in signing him. Understand that Chelsea is also not interested. Thuram and Chelsea is not hot. Important to mention that Chelsea was really interested in winter and has considered a potential move as reported. Now they have other plans on that position.”
A good option for Newcastle this summer
With Bayern and Chelsea not interested, that is good news for Newcastle’s hopes of signing Thuram.
He was first linked with the Magpies in November, when it was claimed that Eddie Howe’s side would try to sign him in the winter.
That didn’t happen, but his contract status means that he will be available for absolutely nothing when the summer arrives. That makes him an attractive option for Newcastle, who continue to be wary of financial fair play.
Thuram has been enjoying a brilliant season in a Borussia Monchengladbach shirt. He currently boasts 14 goals and four assists in all competitions. However, his form has dipped since representing France at the World Cup, scoring just one goal since the Bundesliga’s return.
But he is still an excellent player, and has previously been described as ‘world class‘. His ability to play out wide or through the middle makes him even more appealing, while his friendship with Allan Saint-Maximin could give us an advantage if Howe decides that he does want Thuram at St James’ Park.
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