Newcastle United have identified £13 million-rated Marseille defender Bouna Sarr as a replacement for Inter Milan loanee Valentino Lazaro at St James’ Park, according to the Northern Echo.
After barely kicking a ball in anger during six months of stagnation at the San Siro, the lightning Lazaro would have hoped that a short-term spell in the Premier League was exactly what he needed to get his career back on track.
But it is fair to say the Austrian’s time on Tyneside has been rather mixed.
Just three of his 11 appearances have come from the start and, while there have been brief moments of explosive quality, a man who ripped Bundesliga defences apart at Hertha Berlin has not done enough to convince Newcastle that his £20 million clause is one worth paying.
According to reports from the north east, Steve Bruce and co are already looking at replacements on the right-hand side.
While Sarr cannot match Lazaro when it comes to speed, skill and a penchant for something spectacular, the Frenchman is experienced, dependable and, in the words of Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas, a ‘charismatic’ leader of men (GFFN).
Newcastle have enquired about a potential £13 million deal, although La Liga giants Sevilla are leading the race as it stands.
Interestingly, the former Metz defender told La Provence recently that his heart was set on staying at Marseille and hearing the famous Champions League anthem ring out at the Stade Velodrome next season.
But, with cash-strapped L’OM under pressure to raise funds, Sarr might have to give up on his European dreams.
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