Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on RC Lens midfielder Seko Fofana, with the 27-year-old becoming a priority target.
According to le10sport.com, Newcastle United have made Lens midfielder Seko Fofana their priority target for the upcoming summer transfer window. The Magpies will have to fend off interest from Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon, who are actively pursuing the 27-year-old as well.
Fofana has cemented his spot at the heart of Lens midfield immediately after arriving from Udinese in the 2020 summer transfer window. He made 30 league appearances in his first season, scoring twice and assisting four times but took his game a notch higher in the recently-concluded term.
Fofana featured in 41 matches across competitions for Lens, scoring ten goals and assisting two. A majority of his appearances this season have come from the central midfield, with Fofana also being handed the responsibility of captaincy with full-time skipper Yannick Cahuzac coming on from the bench mostly.
The Ivory Coast international’s solid performances have caught the attention of Lyon, who are planning to close the deal out quickly to avoid any competition. They are reportedly working hard behind the scenes, and though no official offer has been made yet, Lyon are ready with one and expect to be close to Lens’ demands.
Newcastle, however, could spoil Lyon’s plans as the Magpies are ready to meet Lens’ demands to sign the midfielder this summer. Lyon could struggle to match Newcastle’s financial power, who sold Bruno Guimaraes to the Premier League side for €40 million in the winter window.
The Magpies are seeking reinforcements in almost every position as new owners pump in money for a summer overhaul. Fofana is just one of the names they have identified as their priority targets for the upcoming summer window. Considering that Isaac Hayden is likely to move on in the summer, adding another midfielder to support Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff makes sense for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side are also reportedly close to striking a deal for Lyon’s attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta. They have put the Brazilian’s signature high on their priority list as well, and believe he could be one of the big names they can sign this summer. All in all, it promises to be an entertaining summer for Newcastle as they look to mount a challenge for a top-six finish next season.
