Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Valenciennes defender Sikou Niakate.
According to RMC Sport, Valenciennes defender Sikou Niakate has agreed a deal in principle with Newcastle United, but the two teams are yet to finalise a fee – and his agents are worried a deal won’t be done in time.
Newcastle secured their sixth summer signing on Monday as Salomon Rondon arrived on loan from West Bromwich Albion, with the Venezuelan joining Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Kenedy, Ki Sung-yueng and Yoshinori Muto at St James’ Park.
Manager Rafael Benitez remains keen on more signings before Thursday’s transfer deadline though, and a new centre back is need following Florian Lejeune’s injury.
Bentiez does have Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and new signing Schar at his disposal, but another centre back is wanted – and RMC Sport now claim that Newcastle are pushing for Valenciennes star Sikou Niakate.
It’s claimed that Newcastle have agreed terms with the defender, but a fee is yet to be agreed with the French club – and Niakate’s agents are worried that the deal won’t go through before Thursday’s transfer deadline in England.
Niakate, 19, would allegedly cost just €3million (£2.7million), but Newcastle – in true fashion under Mike Ashley’s reign – are left haggling over a deal in the final hours of the transfer window.
The centre back has shown promise in France, and Benitez may feel that the teenager is one for the future who can offer depth at the back whilst also developing behind Newcastle’s more experienced centre backs.
Niakate is a surprise name in the frame for Newcastle, and fans may be keeping tabs on the youngster as the Magpies allegedly pursue a bargain move in the next 24 hours.
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