Report: Newcastle target now valued at £50m as Man Utd enter the race

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AS Monaco have reportedly raised their asking price for star defender Benoit Badiashile, with Manchester United joining Newcastle United in the race to sign the talented centre-back.

According to Nice-Matin, the Ligue 1 side will now demand a fee of €60m (£50m) for the French youth international, with Erik Ten Hag’s side now interested in Badiashile alongside Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Sevilla as Monaco brace themselves for the sale of Badiashile.

Newcastle almost signed the towering defender in January after making a reported £33m bid for the 21-year-old, however, Monaco rejected the offer for Badiashile, who last season grew into his own with the French side as Philippe Clement’s side qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

Like the winter transfer window, Newcastle are expected to make big moves this summer with Eddie Howe’s side already signing England international Nick Pope and LOSC Lille superstar Sven Botman, with the Magpies still looking for more recruits to increase the quality of their squad.

With Howe favouring a three-at-the-back formation, a move for Badiashile can’t be ruled out yet despite the recent signing of Botman, who has been one of the most sought-after defenders from Ligue 1 in recent months after his incredible performances and consistency with Lille.

Indeed, Badiashile would be an excellent addition for Newcastle, but with United now in the race to sign the Frenchman and Atletico and Sevilla also eyeing the youngster, the Toon might have bought off more than they can chew in this transfer saga.

Newcastle face an uphill battle to sign Badiashile this summer

With Monaco increasing their asking price for Badiashile to £50m, signing the French youngster could become a struggle for Newcastle despite their unlimited transfer budget to spend this summer, with the move from the Ligue 1 side likely to tempt offers from big sides in Europe.

Indeed, Badiashile has proven that he is capable of playing at the top, and with United now in the race to sign the defender, Newcastle could find themselves struggling to sign the centre-back this summer with so many big sides now in the race for the 21-year-old.