Newcastle United have been handed a potential boost to their chances of landing a summer transfer deal for reported target Manu Kone.
The Magpies were linked with a move for the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder during the previous January window but didn’t end up signing him, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting a move at the end of the season would be more likely.
With the next summer transfer period on the way, some behind-the-scenes details have come to light which could boost the Toon’s chances of securing a deal for Kone this time around.
According to a recent report from German media outlet BILD, relayed by Fussball Transfers (via Sport Witness), while Monchengladbach were originally hoping to get a €45m (£39m) fee for the player, the club are now willing to look at anything over €30m (£26m).
At the age of 21, the Frenchman has made 51 appearances for his current side across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the process.
This Bundesliga season has seen the youngster show just how important he is for Monchengladbach and how much of an impressive midfielder he is on and off the ball.
For example, in terms of his work on the ball, Kone has made more progressive passes (127), passes into the final third of the pitch (102), carries into the final third (36) and successful take-ons (40) at the club.
Do Newcastle need to sign a midfielder this summer?
Yes
No
Then in regards to his defensive efforts, he has the highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (79) at Monchengladbach as well as the second-highest total of blocks made (30).
This backs up why Kone was hailed as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig on Twitter earlier this season.
With all of that in mind, we feel that the midfielder has more than justified the €30m price tag that his current club are now willing to accept for him this summer.
Therefore, we think that securing a deal for him should definitely be something that Newcastle look to do once the transfer window opens.