Newcastle United are interested in signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to La Repubblica.
The Magpies are now being linked with a free transfer for the 24-year-old.
The Frenchman is set to be out of a deal at the end of the season, and clubs are exploring the possibility of securing him on a pre-contract in January.
La Repubblica claim there isn’t a ‘shortage of offers from the Premier League’, and they continue to name the Tyneside club as an interested party.
They once again join AC Milan in the race to sign a player; this time being Aouar, rather than Sven Botman.
It is reported the Italian outfit have already made an approach, whilst Newcastle’s position remains to be seen.
Although the player will be available on a free in the summer, both clubs are considering the possibility of a reduced-price swoop in January.
Newcastle interested in Aouar
With Bruno Guimaraes’ success in the side, Magpies fans will be hoping Aouar can have the same effect on Tyneside.
As former teammates, the Brazilian could be used to the club’s advantage in negotiations. Making the move across Europe would be made far easier with a friend to help him settle in to the north-east.
In terms of ability, the attacking midfielder was once tipped to reach the very top.
Back in 2018, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed praise on the youngster, claiming he was an ‘incredible’ player.
At the time, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona were interested in securing his signature.
However now, it seems his stock has taken a slight tumble.
Due to an ankle injury, Aouar has only played six Ligue 1 games this term.
Despite this, at just 24-years-old, he has already amassed 221 appearances for Lyon; during which, he has bagged 41 goals and 35 assists.
Available either on a free or a cut-price deal, it sure seems worth taking a punt on the midfielder.
Given Eddie Howe won’t have a huge budget in January, signing Aouar may be a decent signing for the club.