Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Lens defender Loic Bade.
Foot Mercato say the 21-year-old is on the radar of a number of teams, with Rennes pushed the most.
Frenchman Bade has been making a name for himself after joining Lens last year.
He signed for the Ligue 1 side from Le Havre.
Apparently discussions will continue between Lens and Rennes this week, with an agreement supposedly already in place.
But it’s explained that the player has also been courted by Newcastle, AC Milan, Villarreal and Brighton.
Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender.
At the moment, Steve Bruce has some good options, but arguably there is need for someone younger to be brought in, with Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clarkall all in and around the age of 30.
According to a report from Ouest France, Bade is valued by Lens at about £21.5 million.
An unlikely deal for Newcastle
It seems as though Rennes are Bade’s most likely destination this summer.
Funds are said to be tight this summer for the Magpies, and so, it’s difficult to see the club launching a hijack operation.
He’s a player with real promise – and could perhaps be yet another fantastic central defensive prospect produced by France in recent years.
Ligue1.com have already noted comparisons to Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, so clearly he has a high ceiling.
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