Newcastle United were linked with a number of Ligue 1’s most exciting attacking prospects during the summer transfer window.
There has been no shortage of speedy, young, France-based attackers being linked with a move to Newcastle United in the last few months.
Angers attacker Nicolas Pepe, Guingamp talent Marcus Coco and St Etienne’s current star man Jonathan Bamba (below) were all reportedly targets for The Magpies during the summer transfer window before either staying put or heading elsewhere.
Newly-promoted Newcastle, then, will be hoping they can finally get a lucky break in the January transfer window. The Sun reports that both Newcastle and Stoke City have sent scouts to watch Nordine Ibouroi with the teenager pulling up trees with French fourth-tier side FC Martigues this season.
The 19-year-old shot to fame with a stunning goal against Monaco’s reserves recently and has also earned a call up for his national side, Comoros.
And while Ibouroi has not proved himself anywhere near the top level in France like the other talented young attackers that had Newcastle casting longing glances across The Channel, he is clearly a player with plenty of potential.
Bundesliga side Cologne, as well as Ligue 1 high-flyers St Etienne are also reportedly on the radar of the teenage striker. Though Newcastle will be hoping that, after failing to land the majority of their targets during the summer transfer window, the New Year will prove a little more productive.
News that divisive owner Mike Ashley is set to sell Newcastle, and hopes to do so before, Christmas has raised speculation that manager Rafael Benitez could afford to target a higher calibre of player in January.
Regardless of whether Ashley is gone in January, Ibouroi is a player that will not be out of Newcastle’s budget.
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