According to Media Foot, Newcastle want to sign Julian Draxler from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline after missing out on Lucas Paqueta.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be quite the signing for Newcastle.
Draxler – who PSG paid £40m for in 2016 – has fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes, and if he doesn’t secure an exit from Paris, he is likely to spend the season on the sidelines under Christophe Galtier.
Media Foot believe most other clubs have given up hope of signing the Germany international – who won the World Cup in 2014 – as he enjoys his lifestyle in the French capital.
However, after missing out on Paqueta – a friend of Bruno Guimaraes – to West Ham, Eddie Howe is still trying to bring Draxler to St James’ Park ahead of tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.
Media Foot add that the 28-year-old isn’t concerned about a lack of game time ahead of the World Cup in November, which doesn’t bode well for Newcastle’s hopes of signing him.
It comes roughly a month after the Magpies first opened talks to sign Draxler – at the time, PSG demanded a sum of £26m to sell their No.23 to Newcastle.
Interestingly, the German is said to have asked for a move to Tottenham in January when Spurs came calling.
Julian Draxler is worth the gamble for Newcastle
In our view, this would be an exciting gamble for Howe.
Draxler is far from the player who caught Europe’s attention when breaking onto the scene at Schalke, although he remains a quality player who has become accustomed to life at the highest level.
His situation under Galtier in Paris means he should now be available for significantly less than the £26m asking price, with a loan deal also possible for Newcastle.
Draxler may not be as good as Paqueta, although at this stage of the transfer window, he would be a decent signing for Newcastle as Dan Ashworth aims to bolster the attacking midfield department.
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