A Newcastle United double swoop for Toulouse centre-back Christopher Jullien and Lyon striker Myziane Maolida are unlikely to happen in this window, according to reliable journalist Chris Waugh.
The Newastle Chronicle reporter has claimed on his personal Twitter account that a deal for either player is unlikely to happen in the next 48 hours, with the club looking to pursue alternative centre-back options instead of Jullien.
Have checked out the latest Christopher Jullien links this morning &, though #nufc have watched him, it sounds like the club are pursuing alternative centre-back options atm. Also Maolida of Lyon is someone who has been tracked, but a move for him this window is unlikely atm
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) August 7, 2018
United have also been tracking forward Maolida – who netted three goals last season – but it appears like a move for him will be unlikely to happen in this current window.
OPINION
Waugh’s claims that a move for either player is unlikely to happen in this transfer window does not come as a surprise. Having just signed striker Salomon Rondon from West Brom, the need for another forward on the books is not incredibly paramount, so it is wise for them not to sign him in this transfer window. He only scored three goals in 22 appearances for Lyon last season, which is not entirely impressive – meaning that the Magpies were better off without him. The youngster would not have made much of a difference to the first team, and it is likely he would have acted as a fringe player. In regards to Jullien, Newcastle could have made an offer for him, as finding another centre-back is one of their main priorities. The fact that it sounds like the club are pursuing other options instead of him is startling, especially as there is just over two days left to find a top-quality defender. Fans will have their fingers crossed that Rafa Benitez can get one over the line by Thursday.
