Newcastle United are reportedly ready to launch a January bid for Olympique Marseille star Boubacar Kamara, who is a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to a report from The Sun, Newcastle United are plotting a shock January swoop to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Olympique Marseille midfield mainstay Boubacar Kamara.
The 22-year-old, a product of Marseille’s youth academy, has been a permanent fixture in the side since bursting onto the scenes in 2017. Having initially started as a centre-back, Kamara has made a name for himself as a defensive midfielder, becoming one of the best in the position in Ligue 1.
Kamara, to date, has made 142 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit scoring four goals and registering five assists. The 22-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Marseille and has no intentions of signing an extension. Many clubs are queuing to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Chelsea and Manchester United believed to be among the interested parties.
Chelsea are looking to bolster their midfield department in light of N’Golo Kante’s recent injury issues that have become quite recurrent. Furthermore, with Saul Niguez unlikely to be signed permanently and Jorginho turning 30, it makes sense for the Blues to plan for the future. And Kamara, at 22, would be a viable target to anchor the Chelsea midfield in the long run.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils need a replacement for the ageing Nemanja Matic, who is entering the final phase of his career. In addition to that, Fred and Scott McTominay have not been consistent enough when playing in the defensive anchor role. Signing Kamara could address that issue for years to come at Old Trafford.
Both Chelsea and Manchester United were planning to wait till the summer to sign the French ace on a free transfer. However, Newcastle United have now emerged as a suitor for the Marseille mainstay and are ready to make a push for his signing in January to beat off their competitors in the race.
The Magpies do not have a reliable defensive midfielder in the ranks, whose presence can allow Jonjo Shelvey more freedom to dictate play in the attacking half. And manager Eddie Howe has identified Kamara as a player who can make a difference and has asked the club to sign him up immediately.
Newcastle United are plotting a £10 million January offer for the 22-year-old and are willing to hand him a lucrative contract to lure him to St. James’ Park. The Toon have already scheduled talks with Kamara’s representatives and are hoping to agree personal terms before negotiating a transfer fee with Marseille.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle are successful in their endeavours or whether their sudden move sparks Chelsea and Manchester United to try and sign Kamara in January itself.
