Newcastle United target Isaak Toure is in England for transfer targets but could join Premier League champions Manchester City from Le Havre instead, as reported by L’Equipe.
Earlier this week, after Newcastle’s interest in the two-metre man-mountain emerged, RMC Sport made it clear that Toure’s priority is to stay in France and continue his development on the other side of the Channel.
Man City have thought of that. They’ve got a solution to the potential problem too.
Toure has travelled to England for talks with City, and to visit their space-age training centre. And, should he opt to put pen to paper with Pep Guardiola’s newly-crowned side, it is understood that he will be loaned out to sister club Troyes for the 2022/23 campaign.
Not only are Troyes based in Toure’s homeland of France, they are a top-flight side too. Troyes finished 15th in Ligue 1 last term.
A move to Stade de l’Aube would represent a step forward in Toure’s development, then, especially after Le Havre failed to secure promotion back to the big time, while fulfilling his wish to stay in France.
Newcastle target Isaak Toure in Manchester City talks
The U19 international, who stands even taller than Dan Burn at 6ft 9ins, has admirers in Germany. Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt like him, as do a Wolfsburg side who this week appointed ex-Monaco boss Niko Kovac.
Real Madrid and AC Milan are also keen.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are reportedly willing to offer £7.5 million for the teenager (FootMercato). And while Manchester City appear to be in pole position, the Magpies can at least offer Toure a clearer route to the first-team under Eddie Howe.
- How Rangers’ XI could look in 22/23, including 5 new signings
- How West Ham’s XI could look in 22/23 with 4 new signings
Toure, who is also in talks with Marseille, wants his future decided at some point over the next three weeks, before the U19 European Championships begin in June.
He is one of a number of France-based players on the radar of a Newcastle side who paid £33 million for the magisterial Bruno Guimaraes in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
