Newcastle transfer news: Toon interested in French teen Ismael Doukoure

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Newcastle United continue to scour the globe for young and exciting talent, and it could take them to France amid interest in Ismael Doukoure.

The Magpies are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, and Doukoure appears to be a new name on Newcastle‘s radar.

According to 90min, Eddie Howe’s side are showing strong interest in the 19-year-old, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. They add that Arsenal are also keen on the young central defender.

Ismael Doukoure impressing Newcastle scouts

The report adds that Newcastle have been keeping an eye on Doukoure since last year, which is when he joined Strasbourg. He signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the French side back in January 2022.

90min add that Newcastle scouts have been impressed with what they have seen from the teenager. He would offer versatility, which is a quality that Eddie Howe appreciates.

Howe values players who can operate in multiple positions, and that is certainly something Doukoure can do. He is predominantly a centre-back, but is also capable of playing at right-back and holding midfield.

That could make him very appealing for the Magpies, who might be able to lean on a former player if they do decide to make a move.

Former Magpie is currently Doukoure’s teammate at Strasbourg

Doukoure has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg this season, where he plays alongside former Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Sels became a Toon player in the summer of 2016, signed by Rafa Benitez ahead of the Magpies’ season in the Championship. He kicked off the campaign as the first choice goalkeeper, but was quickly replaced after a stuttering start to life on Tyneside.

One year and nine appearances after his £6.5million move, Sels was loaned out to Anderlecht before joining Strasbourg permanently in 2018.

He has been their first choice stopper ever since, and currently has an up and coming talent playing in front of him. Doukoure is a man in demand, and is attracting interest from some top clubs.

Newcastle are keen, and hopefully Sels can put in a good word for us if we do decide to make a move – even if his Toon transfer was a bit of a disaster.