AC Milan and Newcastle target Jonathan Bamba pledges future to Saint-Etienne.
Newcastle United and AC Milan have received some disappointing news in their pursuit of Saint-Etienne forward Jonathan Bamba.
The Magpies were linked with a move for Bamba by French publication Foot Mercato, with the report at the time claiming Atalanta were their biggest rivals for the 21-year-old’s signature.
Former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia
It was believed that any potential deal to sign the France Under-21 international was being held up by a lack of manager at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, but now Oscar Garcia has been appointed a move could go through.
However, this latest development from Le10Sport not only claims that Milan are now Newcastle’s main competitors for Bamba, but that the attacker is committed to Saint-Etienne in any case.
“Right now, I’m back. I’m here and I keep working. I hope it’ll be ok,” Bamba said.
“We’ll see if the coach intends to play me. I have one year left. I’m 100% in Saint-Etienne. I feel good in my head.
“We’ll see what happens afterwards. I have no priority.”
Saint-Etienne’s Jonathan Bamba (L) in action against Lazio
Bamba spent the latter half of last season on loan at fellow Ligue 1 side Angiers, scoring three goals in 16 league appearances and impressing with his performances.
The youngster has played 15 times and scored once for Saint-Etienne since breaking into the first team in 2015 and his current contract with the club expires in 2018.
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