Newcastle United join race for talented 20-year-old midfielder who impressed at relegated Leicester City
Central midfield isn’t a priority position for Newcastle United this summer, but it does seem increasingly likely that Sean Longstaff could be on his way out of the club and he may need replacing.
Additionally, Joe Willock has failed to impress fans in his appearances this season, and that could give rise to the need for another midfielder.
There are clear priorities ahead of finding more players for that position, with right wing, right centre-back, goalkeeper and centre-forward more pressing concerns.
However, if there’s a deal to be done and a good player who ticks a lot of boxes becomes available, Newcastle could just look to make a move.
Newcastle could make a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss
One such player who has caught Newcastle’s eye, according to Caught Offside, is Leicester City’s Belgium-born Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss, who is also attracting interest from several other Premier League clubs, plus clubs from around Europe.
The midfielder has been somewhat unfortunate to have been part of a side that was relegated from the Premier League this season, with some eye-catching performances.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has scored three goals and provided six assists for the Foxes this season, but after being relegated, could listen to offers for the former Genk star, with Caught Offside claiming a bid of somewhere around £34m-£38 million could get the Foxes to sell.
Bilal El Khannouss wants to remain in the Premier League
Despite interest from Serie A and the Bundesliga, El Kannouss has reportedly expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League, which will have put Newcastle on alert along with Aston Villa, Wolves and Fulham, who are all also keen.
El Khannous could be an ideal Eddie Howe signing, young and experienced with plenty of room to grow. His price tag may be a bit high for what will essentially be another project player, but if the scouts and Eddie Howe agree that he is first-team ready, that could change things.
Again, he won’t be seen as a priority given Newcastle’s midfield being as good as it is, but we will need more options off the bench at some point, so who knows?
