Could Newcastle take a chance on former youngster?
Newcastle United are on the lookout for reinforcements to aid their promotion tilt, with star man Jonjo Shelvey out with suspension.
One unlikely option could be a former Newcastle midfielder who left the club in 2015 and has just become available for loan, Olivier Kemen.
Kemen quit Newcastle for Lyon 18 months ago, heading back to his homeland after spending two years in the club’s academy.
Newcastle United’s Olivier Kemen celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
The former Metz youngster spent last season in Lyon’s B team, but has made the step up this campaign to the first team, making two appearances.
Lyon now want Kemen to go out on loan so he can play regularly, with Foot01 report they see this as his best option at present.
MadeInFoot report there are three Ligue 1 clubs already expressing an interest in the 20-year-old, who has played for France at every level from under-16s through to under-20s.
Newcastle United’s Olivier Kemen
Kemen can play in central midfield or on the right wing and could be an interesting option for Rafa Benitez to try and work his magic with.
Shortly before his sale to Lyon, former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren had told the Gazette that he rated him highly, comparing his tackling to Check Tiote, and speaking adamantly that he wanted him to stay, amid interest from Tottenham and Liverpool.
Newcastle have a rare chance to bring Kemen back into the fold and might want to explore the possibility of giving the youngster the chance to make an impact at St James’ Park as he once hoped for.
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