Newcastle United are one of four Premier League teams interested in signing Marseille’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, according to La Provence.
The French newspaper claim that the Magpies, Watford and West Ham regularly watch the 22-year-old defensive midfielder, with the Baggies already showing their interest in him last summer as they bid £13.2m for him.
La Provence report that the bid was rejected with Anguissa not paying much attention to it, as he had only just signed a new contract at the start of the summer.
The French giants handed him a new deal, which doesn’t expire until 2021, that reflected his services after he had impressed at the Confederations Cup with Cameroon in June.
Anguissa has been a regular for Marseille this season, having made 37 appearances across all competitions, and his performances are one of the reasons why they sit third in Ligue 1.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes.
The midfielder is young, talented and would walk into the current Magpies’ team.
Anguissa adds a steely presence to any midfield that he is part of and improves a side’s defensive qualities.
While Newcastle United could do with securing players who are capable of scoring in the Premier League in the summer, they also need to be improved defensively.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Depends if the Magpies avoid relegation this season and whether Mike Ashley is able to sell the club ahead of the summer window.
Anguissa is going to cost a significant fee as he has only improved since West Bromwich Albion’s offer of £13.2m was rejected, therefore it’s unlikely the Magpies would be able to compete for him if Ashley still owned the club.
The businessman has shown his reluctance to spend in recent transfer windows, as he is trying to sell the club.
Also with several Premier League clubs interested, if the Magpies were to find themselves in the Championship next season, there’s no way they’d be able to tempt him to St James’ Park.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10