Newcastle United have entered negotiations with Olympique Lyonnais about the potential transfer of young striker Myziane Maolida, according to L’Equipe.
The reputable French outlet claim on their website that the Magpies have held talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over snapping up the 19-year-old, who was something of a revelation for Lyon last season, making his debut and going on to feature 22 times for the first team, scoring three times.
A centre forward who can also operate as a winger, it is stated that Newcastle’s talks could hijack Real Betis’ prepared £7million (€8million) bid for the young talent, with the Spanish side said to be waiting to sell before launching an offer.
Good move for Newcastle?
With just a year of senior football under his belt it is hard to determine what Maolida would bring to St James’ Park – but that is the case with any hot prospect who has hardly made a name for himself.
He seems to have all the qualities to be a threatening attacker – standing at just under six foot tall (source: Transfermarkt) while possessing a decent amount of pace, which helps him fill in on either flank when needed.
Is he what Newcastle need right now? No, for the Magpies are in a desperate hunt for a proven, goal scoring striker.
Does that make it a bad move? Also no, as the young Frenchman could be a useful figure on the fringes of the first team, and, as was the case with Ayoze Perez some years ago, he could become a regular despite having been brought in as a future prospect.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Money is the big issue with Newcastle right now and if Betis are willing to spend £7million on his capture, then it seems unlikely he will be moving to the north east of England.
Newcastle are not going to sanction that sort of deal for a potential talent when they need match-ready stars being brought in, and the budget just does not allow for big spending.
If negotiations go well, and Betis do not come in, then perhaps something can be sealed, but it is definitely an if, and not when.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10