Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Manu Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who claim that the Magpies are interested in the young French midfielder.
While Eddie Howe’s priorities lie in attack, an additional centre-midfielder wouldn’t go amiss. That’s due to Jonjo Shelvey’s injury, with the 30-year-old likely to be out of action until after the World Cup.
It leaves Newcastle slightly short in the middle, with Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson currently in reserve.
That suggests why Kone is being targeted, and a move to St James’ Park certainly won’t be cheap if he does arrive.
How much Newcastle are willing to pay for Manu Kone
According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have told Monchengladbach that they are willing to pay almost £30million to sign the 21-year-old.
While a formal offer hasn’t been made, L’Equipe state that the Bundesliga outfit will not be selling Kone for that price.
They add that if Kone is to leave Monchengladbach, it won’t happen until next summer. He therefore could be one to keep an eye on, but that doesn’t help Newcastle’s immediate need for a midfielder.
Kone would be a good fit for Newcastle
The Frenchman looks like the type of player who would fit in at Newcastle. We need someone who is more defensively minded who can play as a ‘six’ in the middle of our central trio.
That’s where Shelvey normally plays, but Bruno Guimaraes has been filling in since his injury. The Brazilian has done well, but he can be even more influential further up the pitch.
If we sign someone like Kone, it could help us get more out of Bruno. Eddie Howe would have the option of playing the 24-year-old as an ‘eight’ if Kone joined.
The Monchengladbach youngster is impressive out of possession, capable of winning back the ball and driving his team up the pitch. He’s even been likened to Paul Pogba, which is high praise to anyone not called Graeme Souness.
If Newcastle are going to sign a midfielder this summer, it needs to be someone like Kone. But with money tight and attacking additions required, it would be a real surprise to see the Magpies splash out on the former Toulouse man.