Newcastle United are currently negotiating to secure the free transfer of AS Monaco youngster Mehdi Zerkane according Get French Football News.
Writing on their Twitter account, as well as their website, the news outlet claimed that Newcastle were looking to sign the 19-year-old winger on a pre-contract at the end of the season.
Newcastle United are attempting to negotiate the free transfer of 19-year-old winger Mehdi Zerkane from AS Monaco https://t.co/4gEgFxdJh4
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 5, 2019
Zerkane has played 10 times in the UEFA Youth League this season , scoring two goals and Rafael Benitez will reportedly face competition from an unnamed Ligue 1 side for the youngster’s signature.
Good move for Newcastle?
Mehdi Zerkane is largely untested in professional senior football so far which could prove to be a big sticking point in whether this turns out to be a good move for the club.
If this is a signing for the youth set up, it will be a great signing with Zerkane having experience in the UEFA youth set up against the so-called bigger teams.
It might take a few years for the 19-year-old to settle in at Newcastle but if secured on a free deal then it could pay dividends for Rafa Benitez in years to come at the Magpies if he is given time to settle in.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
This all depends on the likelihood that Zerkane would be willing to move to England and Newcastle at this stage in his career.
The offer on the table from the unnamed Ligue 1 will most likely be more appealing to the youngster who is used to playing in France and the thought of staying in his home nation could definitely be a sticking point for Rafa Benitez.
On the other hand, the draw of the Premier League could be a huge turning point for Zerkane, especially at this stage in his career.
The idea of bringing in a starlet is a great proposition for any club and the fact he is a free agent in the summer could see Mike Ashley preferring to go that way to bring in some fresh legs.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10