Newcastle United have reportedly indicated they would be willing to pay €35 million for French midfielder Manu Kone but have been rebuffed with the approach.
Newcastle United have reportedly made an unsuccessful move to sign Manu Kone. That is as per L’Equipe, who claims that the Magpies have contacted Borussia Monchengladbach over bringing the young French midfielder to St. James’ Park before the transfer window closes. Newcastle were even ready to splash €35 million on Kone, but Gladbach were quick to turn down their approach and have made it clear that the player is not for sale this summer.
The summer transfer window slams shut in less than a week, and Newcastle United have only brought in three players so far. As a consequence, Dan Ashworth & co. are expected to be busy before the deadline, with the club aiming high this season. The club are looking to sign more attacking players to boost their options at the top-end of the pitch, which is Eddie Howe’s priority.
But signing a defensive midfielder on top of that would only be a welcome addition. That is down to Jonjo Shelvey’s injury, which will keep the 30-year-old out until next year. With Isaac Hayden joining Norwich City on loan, it has left Newcastle slightly light in the middle of the park, with Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson currently serving as backups, with the duo not true holding midfielders.
As such, the Magpies recently submitted an offer for Ajax’s Mexican enforcer Edson Alvarez, but that is likely to be knocked back by the Dutch champions, who are reluctant to lose another one of their gems, having sold several of their big-hitters already this summer. Newcastle have now turned their attention to Borussia Monchengladbach’s French midfielder, Manu Kone.
Kone joined Gladbach for €9 million from Toulouse in the winter transfer window of the 2021. And despite the club’s overall struggles, the French midfielder enjoyed a successful breakthrough season last term, starting 26 times out of his 27 Bundesliga appearances.
The 21-year-old typically plays as a holding midfielder but can also operate in a box-to-box role, something that has certainly piqued the interest of Eddie Howe, who deploys an all-action midfield three. Regarded as one of the best midfield prospects across Europe, Kone is known for his physicality, technical abilities, press resistance, and his willingness to drive up the field.
He would be an excellent addition to the Magpies squad and another piece of Howe’s long-term vision for the Tyneside outfit. The French midfielder would be an excellent addition to the Magpies squad and another piece of Howe’s long-term vision for the Tyneside outfit. However, to Newcastle’s disappointment, Gladbach have shut down a €35 million approach for their player.
With Kone’s contract running until 2025, the German outfit are planning to keep the youngster for at least one more season and will not entertain any offer for Kone this summer. As per L’Equipe, whilst an official bid is yet to be made, Newcastle could well test the Bundesliga club’s resolve with a tempting proposal for the French midfielder.
