According to the Mail, Newcastle United are now interested in Lyon’s Malo Gusto.
The teenage full-back has been making waves over in France this season as he’s established himself as Lyon’s first-choice right-back at the age of just 19.
As a teenager, Gusto could well be the long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier at St James’ Park as the 32-year-old isn’t getting any younger.
Much like Trippier, Gusto is a player who loves to go forward and he has one hell of a cross on him as well as a decent dead ball delivery.
However, as with many full-backs of this ilk, his defensive acumen has come into question.
Indeed, when speaking to Lequipe earlier this year, Sydney Govou was critical of Gusto’s defensive work.
“Your defence is being held up by Malo Gusto and Castello Lukeba; the first one has trouble defending and the other has trouble playing out from the back. You’re going to have three [defenders] along with those and think that your priority is still to get forwards in? You don’t need those. You forget that for a club that’s rebuilding like Lyon, the priority is the basics,’ Govou said.
Luckily, in the modern game defending isn’t such a huge priority for a full-back and with so many years ahead of him, the art of defence is something that the teenager could pick up in time – especially if he works under a coach as talented as Eddie Howe.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, signing Gusto may not be too straightforward.
This report labels him as a £35m player – a lot of money for a someone who isn’t going to be first-choice in his position, while Manchester United are also keen.
Say what you will about Man U these days, they still remain one of the most enticing clubs on the planet, and while Newcastle’s riches are unrivalled, the pull of Old Trafford is also a huge factor.
This is certainly a situation to keep an eye out for as we head into the winter window.
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