Newcastle United are in the hunt to sign AS Monaco attacker Mehdi Zerkane and have already began negotiations over a summer move for the 19-year-old, according to a report from Get French Football News.
The reliable source on French football suggest that Newcastle have entered into talks with Zerkane and his representatives, with the aim of convincing the right-winger, who has made ten appearances in this season’s UEFA Youth League for Monaco’s youth team, to make summer switch to St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s pursuit of the Frenchmen might be boosted by the fact that he is reportedly out of contract with Monaco next season, leaving the player available to be signed on a free transfer this summer.
However, Newcastle could reportedly face competition for Zerkane’s signature from an unnamed French club, so may need to act swiftly to secure his signature.
OPINION
As the end of the season approaches, with Newcastle having just one more Premier League fixture remaining, there is likely to be increased speculation around transfers too and from St James’ Park this summer. Newcastle will be needing to have a proactive window if they are going to be able to convince manager Rafa Benitez to remain in charge of the club for next season. Benitez will be hoping that the club’s board show some ambition in the transfer market, so that he can be given the resources to help make the club consistent challenges for a top-ten Premier League finish. The addition of Mehdi Zerkane would be a good signing for Newcastle, with the Frenchmen showing a lot of potential in his appearances for AS Monaco’s youth team, which has seen him catch the attention of not just Newcastle but another team in France. Signing players with potential is crucial for a club with Newcastle’s current model, as enables them to give the opportunity to players to progress and perform in the Premier League, and if they manage to do well they can then sell them on for a significant profit. Whether Zerkane would be ready to come straight into Newcastle’s first team next season, if signed this summer, is debatable, however that aside the Magpies would be getting an exciting prospect with potential to grow at St James’ Park.
