Eddie Howe has made Newcastle United an ‘explicit request’ to sign Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach. The Toon are also ready to edge out interest from Aston Villa.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports the Magpies are edging in front in a race for the 25-year-old’s transfer. Thuram is out of contract at Borussia-Park next summer and has ruled out signing new terms. So, Gladbach are now having to consider his future there.
- WORLD CUP: LIVERPOOL AND TOTTENHAM TARGET IS AMONG THE TOP 10 DEFENDERS
- WORLD CUP: TOTTENHAM DUO AND AN ARSENAL TARGET ARE IN THE TOP 10 STRIKERS
A host of clubs are monitoring Thuram’s situation as they mull making moves in January or to wait it out. Many of the France forward’s suitors do not want to risk missing out on the nine-cap international. But some of the interested teams see the benefit in a free transfer.
Newcastle are ready to satisfy Borussia Monchengladbach to sign Marcus Thuram
Newcastle fall into the camp of sides keen to sign Thuram in January under the instructions of Howe. The Toon boss has urged chiefs at St James’ Park to settle on terms with Borussia Monchengladbach over the winter and is ready to satisfy the Bundesliga outfit’s demands.
Newcastle are preparing an offer worth in excess of €10m (£9m) for the in-demand World Cup runner-up. Howe hopes Thuram can help to keep the Magpies at the upper end of the Premier League table having now moved into second place after beating Leicester City 3-0.
Yet Aston Villa are also interested in Thuram but they trail Newcastle’s pursuit. Tottenham Hotspur could also move for the centre-forward having already spoken with the attacker’s representatives. As have Manchester United with Erik ten Hag pushing for offensive deals.
Ten Hag is determined to bolster his frontline at Old Trafford and sees Thuram as an ideal fit for his desired profile. The low costs associated with the striker given his contract ends in June also appeal to the Red Devils. While Inter Milan still hold out hope for a free deal.
Inter Milan know Marcus Thuram appreciates a move to Serie A
Inter Milan have targeted Thuram for some time and remain in contact with his entourage over a pre-contract agreement. The Nerazzurri also know the Borussia Monchengladbach forward’s camp appreciates the potential of a move to Serie A suiting the Parma-born star.
But interest from the Premier League with clubs like Newcastle ready to sign Thuram over January threatens Inter Milan’s pursuit. Borussia Monchengladbach could also favour his departure in January to receive a fee despite his importance in boss Daniel Farke’s attack.
Thuram has offered the former Norwich City head coach 13 goals and four assists over 17 games this season. His haul includes 10 goals and three assists in 15 Bundesliga games for rival directors to also lavish praise on the son of France legend Lilian Thuram this season.
“Thuram is a world-class striker,” Wolfsburg’s sporting director Marcel Schafer stated, via quotes by Kicker, this October. “You have to say it like that. He has world-class stature.”
Wolfsburg head coach Niko Kovac also noted ahead of facing Borussia Monchengladbach before the World Cup: “He is life insurance for Gladbach and a guarantee that they are so high up the table.” Die Fohlen sit eighth in the Bundesliga table after 28 goals this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
