Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring AC Milan’s on loan Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper reports that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has sent his scouts to watch the Frenchman a few times over the course of this season, but much could depend on what happens with his future at AC Milan.
Bakayoko has been an important figure in AC Milan’s attempts to seal Champions League qualification, since joining on loan from Chelsea, and the midfielder’s future could well depend on whether the Italian side manage to finish in a Champions League space in Serie A.
OPINION
Benitez will be looking to add to his midfield options next season, if the Spaniard decides to commit his future to the club this summer. Isaac Hayden is being linked with a departure from the club after stating his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to move back down South to be closer to his family, according to the Chronicle. Therefore, Newcastle will be in need of a replacement in the summer transfer window, and Bakayoko could be a potentially good option to fill the place in the Magpies midfield. However, the midfielder has struggled at Chelsea since signing from AS Monaco, after helping the French side reach the Champions League semi-finals a few seasons ago. Therefore he will have a lot to prove if he joins another Premier League side, which could make him a useful addition if Newcastle can get a hungry midfielder with Champions League experience. Much will depend on what happens between Bakayoko and AC Milan this summer, but the Italian side don’t make the move permanent Newcastle could potentially capitalise.
