The French side are eyeing a move for the Newcastle United defender.
Newcastle’s Kevin Mbabu and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard in action
Ligue 1 side Lyon are eyeing a move for Newcastle United defender Kevin Mbabu, reports the Chronicle.
The young defender broke into the first team last season when former manager Steve McClaren handed him a Premier League debut against Chelsea.
They are keen to keep him at the club and took up an option to extend his deal by two years at the end of last season.
Newcastle’s Kevin Mbabu and Chelsea’s Pedro in action
The player is happy to stay under Rafa Benitez, but the Spaniard cannot guarantee him first teal football next season despite their poor defensive showings last season.
That has alerted Lyon, who may make a move to try and secure him on loan with a view to making it a permanent switch should things work out well, according to the Chronicle.
The French side are long term admirers of the youngster, having scouted him during at Servette before he moved to Newcastle in 2013.
Newcastle United’s Kevin Mbabu warms up before the game
With first team football not forthcoming with the Magpies, he could be tempted by any offer from Lyon, especially given they can offer Champions League football.
Any move is likely to rest on what work Benitez can do in the summer transfer window, with improving the defence likely to be top of his list of priorities.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
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