Newcastle United have made contact with Monaco about a potential late January swoop for playmaker Youri Tielemans, according to Belgian journalist Kristof Terruer.
The HLN reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that the Magpies have “been in touch” with Monaco about the Belgium international.
Newcastle have been in touch too for Youri Tielemans. #nufc
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) January 29, 2019
Daily Mail journalist Dominic King reported last week that Monaco would want more than £20million for the 21-year-old and that Leicester were ready to launch a bid to sign him.
Leicester, meanwhile, are ready to launch a bid for Youri Tielemans at Monaco. He would cost more than £20m but there is significant interest. ???
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) January 25, 2019
Good move for Newcastle?
It would be a sensational signing for Rafa Benitez, who needs to make two or three signings before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday.
Tielemans is a major upgrade on what Benitez already has in his squad at St James’ Park and he has the potential to be one of the top playmakers in European football.
Mike Ashley should be pushing the boat out to sign the Belgian midfielder, who has been a mainstay for troubled Monaco this season by appearing 30 times in all competitions and scoring five goals in the process.
Just because Monaco are in a relegation battle doesn’t mean that Tielemans would be a bad signing. He is young and has a lot to offer.
This is Futbol rating 10/10
Likely to happen?
Although Magpies owner Ashley should be pushing the boat out to sign Tielemans, the chances of him doing so are remote, to say the least.
Benitez has struggled to sign anyone of major game-changing quality since the club was promoted to the Premier League in 2017, so the chances of the Monaco star heading to St James’ Park are zero to none.
Sorry, Newcastle fans.
This is Futbol rating 1/10