Newcastle United is still exploring several midfield options with little more than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, as Matthias Jaissle attempts to add both experience and depth following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies have already approached Bayern Munich over Joao Palhinha, while Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall remains another potential target. Newcastle has now seemingly added a new option to its shortlist.
Matteo Moretto reported on Saturday that
Newcastle has already enquired about AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana after the Serie A club informed the France international that he is no longer part of its plans.
“Fofana is on his way out, and he was informed of this in person,” Moretto reported, per MilanNews. “I can assure you that there aren’t any advanced negotiations with any specific club at this time.”
Moretto identified Newcastle as one of three clubs to have already approached Milan about the 27-year-old’s situation.
“I can tell you that Nottingham have inquired, Newcastle have inquired, and Juventus have inquired,” Moretto reported.
If anything, the update means Newcastle’s interest remains preliminary for now, with no offer or negotiations for a transfer reported yet. Juventus, meanwhile, appears to be leading the race for Fofana and exploring a transfer more seriously than any other club linked to the midfielder.
“Fofana is certainly an option for Juventus, and the two clubs, Juve and Milan, have spoken and discussed possible situations and market developments,” Moretto reported.
Fofana only joined Milan from Monaco for approximately €20 million (£17.3 million) in 2024 and remains under contract through 2028. While reports don’t agree on Milan’s asking price for Fofana, most land in the €15-to-20 million range (£13-to-17 million, approximately), potentially making him considerably cheaper than some of Newcastle’s other midfield targets.
For now, however, Moretto emphasized that the situation remains open and there’s no clear and final solution for Milan’s preferred sale of Fofana.
“There aren’t any advanced negotiations with any specific club at this time,” Moretto reported.
Would Fofana be a better option than Palhinha, Bergvall or any other midfielder linked to Newcastle? Let us know in the comments section below.
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