Craig Hope has claimed that Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone are certainly on Newcastle United’s transfer list.
Since Jonjo Shelvey was confirmed to be out for several weeks in what is his second huge injury blow of the season, reports have suggested that Newcastle could step up a gear in their pursuit of a new central midfielder.
Reports have now begun to circulate about who the Magpies could land and The Daily Mail believes the likes of Youri Tielemans, Thuram and Kone are said to be admired by people on Tyneside, although the latter two are perhaps signings with a view to the future give their age.
Hope has insisted on The True Faith podcast that both Thuram and Kone would fit the bill at Newcastle in terms of being young but also ready-made players for Eddie Howe.
“Another two who are on the list and have been given glowing reports by the scouts are Khephren Thuram of Nice and Kouadio Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach.
Will Newcastle sign a new midfielder?
Yes!
No!
“Now, they’re both 21 years old France Under-21 internationals, both play in midfield and both would fit the bill of bringing in someone who perhaps, to begin with, would be happy with not necessarily [being] a starter but someone who would come in and almost be guaranteed a certain amount of game time just by virtue of the lack of numbers in there.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s search for a new midfielder…
Eddie Howe gave off mixed messages during his pre-match press conference insisting that neither he nor the club would look to complete a deal in January if it then meant they became handcuffed further down the line in terms of more signings, but also admitted that he and his staff were analysing the need for a new midfielder.
Therefore, moving for players such as Thuram and Kone who are at the start of their careers could work in both a financial sense but also from a practical sense as they wouldn’t likely come in and demand to start every week whereas someone such as Tielemans likely would and that could disrupt the dressing room dynamic.
Whatever Newcastle do decide to do fans will likely trust the club 100% as they’ve had a magnificent hit record when it comes to transfers since PIF took over the club with many bargains and smart deals being struck up thus far.