Newcastle United are in “advanced discussions” to sign Nantes attacker Anthony Limbombe on a loan-to-buy basis, according to RMC Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The reliable reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday morning that the Magpies are in talks with the “entourage” of the Belgium international about a loan deal with the “option to purchase”.
Infos #mercato :
À un jour avant la fin de marché, il y aurait des discussions avancées entre l’entourage du milieu offensif belge Anthony Limbombe, le #FCNantes et #NewcastleUnited en vue d’un prêt avec option d’achat à St’ James Park. #NUFC #Newcastle #FCN #FCN #DiablesRouges pic.twitter.com/XfXOg1FJ5M
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) January 30, 2019
Limbombe, 24, joined Nantes from Club Brugge in the summer but has only managed to earn six starts in Ligue 1 since.
Good move for Newcastle?
Limbombe was superb for Club Brugge last season but he has struggled to make the step up from Belgium’s top-flight to France’s, which suggests that Newcastle might be better off avoiding the left-winger.
He scored six goals and supplied seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for Brugge last term, but has just one goal and one assist in 17 outings for Nantes since joining them.
Ligue 1 is a much better league than Belgium’s Jupiler League, and the Premier League is a lot tougher than Ligue 1, so this suggests that Limbombe may struggle to make an impact at Newcastle.
Rafa Benitez might be wise to avoid signing the one-time Belgium international.
This is Futbol rating 4/10
Likely to happen?
It appears that Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Limbombe and a loan-to-buy deal would definitely be the best course of action so the Magpies can effectively try before they buy the winger.
However with Miguel Almiron widely-reported to be on his way to St James’ Park, it’s hard to see Mike Ashley letting Benitez sign another attacking player.
Something might happen before the deadline on Thursday, but it seems unlikely at this stage.
This is Futbol rating 4/10