NEWCASTLE CHASE EX-MACKEM

Newcastle United manager has identified Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare as a transfer target for the Magpies during the summer transfer window. The former Sunderland manager has sent representatives to watch the player in action this season.

He was impressed by the detailed dossier submitted to him about the player. The Magpies made a big move for the player during the January transfer window and they will return for the player again during the summer transfer window. Magpies boss Steve Bruce admitted on deadline day that the club had come close to a transfer that would have broken the club’s £40m record – only for the player in question to knock back the move.

However, the highly rated Lille midfielder is holding out for an offer from one of Liverpool or Manchester United this summer.

Newcastle are the only club thought to have had an approach accepted yet, but the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham have recently been in the headlines with regards to their interest, while United and Real Madrid were among those linked further back.

Valencia have also indicated an interest in the player according to reports from Spain. But the midfielder has chosen to stay with the French side, as he bids his time, while waiting for potential serious bids from top clubs around Europe. According to French outlet ​Le10Sport, his desire to move to one of Liverpool or United was behind his decision to reject a move to Newcastle, whose offer they say was worth up to €60m (£50m) with all bonuses included.

While it’s unclear if either of the clubs in question are prepared to match the precedent set by the Magpies, it would certainly make for an interesting stand-off when the transfer window reopens in the summer.