Newcastle United are keen on Khephren Thuram ahead of the January window as they search for a Sandro Tonali replacement.
According to 90 Min, Khephren Thuram features on a shortlist of midfielders to replace Sandro Tonali ahead of the January window. The 22-year-old Frenchman also has the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, which could open the doors to a decent transfer battle.
The events of recent weeks are beyond Newcastle United’s control. They may feel disappointed after what has transpired with Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder got caught up in an illegal betting controversy. Compatriots Nicolo Fagioli and Nicolo Zaniolo.
Fagioli was since given a seven-month ban from football, and the other two are staring at similar punishments in the coming days. In Tonali’s case, he could get a one-year ban or more for his role, which may come as a bother for Newcastle United.
The Magpies invested significantly in the former AC Milan midfielder during the summer. While he’s had a stellar start to life in the north of England, he may face a range of punishments externally and internally. If banned, Newcastle United are liable to suspend his contract for the foreseeable future without pay.
Whatever comes out of this controversy, it has thrown Newcastle United right back into the transfer market for a replacement. There are a host of options discussed in the report, but the one standing out is Khephren Thuram.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who’s also a Liverpool target, could get a big move to the Premier League. Thuram was the subject of interest during the summer. Juventus also consider him as a replacement for the now-banned Fagioli.
Liverpool had the upper hand then, but Manchester United were also keen. OGC Nice are open to a sale in January, provided they receive €40 million or more for the 22-year-old Frenchman. The Ligue 1 club’s owner is also looking to invest in Manchester United to acquire a minority stake.
The latter could become a factor if the Red Devils are keen. For now, the report states Newcastle United are ahead in the race for Thuram. The Frenchman would certainly fancy a big move to the Premier League.
Liverpool were keen during the summer, but Jurgen Klopp changed his mind as he wanted a holding midfielder first and foremost. Even in the latter stages, he decided to invest in Ryan Gravenberch, which shuts the door on Thuram for now.
Newcastle could seem more desperate to find a replacement, especially if Tonali gets a long ban from the game. Thuram would suit their cause, as he’s a similar player to the Italian.