Marseille have potentially found their replacement for reported Newcastle United transfer target Boubacar Kamara in Schalke star Mehmet Can Aydin, according to Sport1.
OM are one of a number of European sides with a strong interest in Aydin’s situation at the Veltins-Arena. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise in North Rhine-Westphalia over the last year, but is soon out of contract. He also wants his future sorted by the end of January.
Aydin’s deal will expire in June and while Schalke hope he signs a long-term extension, rival suitors are preparing bids. Marseille and Lille are set to present the German with a path to France, Parma to Italy, Anderlecht to Belgium, Real Betis to Spain and Brentford to England.
Schalke deem Aydin an important part of the club as their academy product has made 15 of his 21 career first-team appearances so far this season. He has also offered one goal and an assist as Die Konigsblauen compete for an immediate return to the Bundesliga.
The Veltins hierarchy want to extend Aydin’s contract quickly, and talks with his agent are ongoing. He also identifies with the club, but has received attractive bids from rival suitors.
Marseille find Kamara replacement in Aydin, amid Newcastle talks
Reports by Le10 Sport citing Sport1 suggest Marseille are pursuing Aydin amid their efforts to find a replacement for Kamara. President Pablo Longoria is targeting low-cost options to replace the Frenchman, and may ramp up his talks with Aydin’s agent if he hits the market.
Marseille targeting Schalke star Aydin would offer Newcastle a big boost in their hopes of a transfer for Kamara, too. The Daily Mail note the Magpies have discussed a deal with Kamara, who is likewise a free agent this summer and already in talks with foreign clubs.
But United are unsure if Kamara is committed to moving to Tyneside, given his rival offers. Calciomercato also note Roma are on pole for his signature, as Jose Mourinho eyes depth.
Newcastle, then, may miss out on Kamara, despite Marca reporting in December the Toon are ready to offer Marseille £10m to secure a transfer in January before his contract ends.
A bid could swing the tide back in the Magpies’ favour for a player that his former Marseille teammate Rolando once told RMC Sport is a ‘phenomenon’ and is ‘out of the ordinary’.
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