Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Saint-Etienne defender Jonathan Bamba.
Saint-Etienne’s Jonathan Bamba (L) in action against Lazio
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle United are interested in signing Saint-Etienne winger Jonathan Bamba – but face competition from Atalanta.
The Magpies have already tied up a deal for one winger this summer having signed Christian Atsu on a permanent basis from Chelsea following a season-long loan spell last term, but manager Rafael Benitez may yet want more.
General view inside St. James’ Park
Talks are ongoing with winger Yoan Gouffran about extending his stay with the club, but Matt Ritchie is Benitez’s only other recognised winger right now, with Rolando Aarons going through injury woes.
Now, Foot Mercato report that Newcastle are preparing a bid for Saint-Etienne wide man Jonathan Bamba, though will fend off interest from Italian club Atalanta.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Bamba, 21, has come up through the ranks with Saint-Etienne having joined the club from UJA Alfortville in 2011, but he has spent most of his time out on loan, making just 15 league appearances for Saint-Etienne.
After spells with FC Paris and Sint-Truiden, Bamba was sent on loan to Angers in January 2017, and he notched three goals and two assists in just 16 appearances.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran celebrates after scoring
Now back at Saint-Etienne, it’s claimed that they had blocked him from leaving until a new manager had been appointed to replace Christophe Galtier, but with Oscar Garcia now brought in, Newcastle’s hopes of landing Bamba may have been aided.
Newcastle loaned Henri Saivet to Saint-Etienne last summer, and they will now hope to strike a deal in the opposite direction by landing pacey winger Bamba before the start of the Premier League season.
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