Newcastle United revive interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare

Newcastle United are continuing discussions over a summer move for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

Despite putting their scouting and recruitment staff on furlough and discussions ongoing over a potential £350m takeover, club executives are pressing ahead in their attempt to sign Soumare after failing to prise him away in January.

The 21-year old has been watched by all the top clubs in Europe including Liverpool, Manchester City, United and Chelsea. Newcastle had an offer of £35million plus add ons accepted by Lille in January while Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint Maximin tried hard to persuade Soumare to join. However the athletic midfielder turned them down as he wanted to keep his options open.

Newcastle United have reignited their desire to sign Boubakary Soumare from Lille

Newcastle United have reignited their desire to sign Boubakary Soumare from Lille

The Magpies looked set to sign the 21-year-old in January before he decided against a move

The Magpies looked set to sign the 21-year-old in January before he decided against a move

Newcastle though are keen to underline to the France U21 international that he is still wanted and part of their plans for next season.

Lille are fourth in the French league and had been pushing for European qualification prior to the coronavirus lockdown. Like many clubs, they are eager to raise finances and are hoping other suitors step in with offers for Soumare to spark an auction.

They know they can bank at least £30m for Soumare while they also have interest from Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester in defender Gabriel Maghalaes.

Everton have already proposed £28m for the 22-year old Brazilian centre back.

Liverpool, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs are among those monitoring his progress

Liverpool, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs are among those monitoring his progress

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce would like a player of Soumare’s calibre on board to lift his squad. He is also a fan of Aston Villa’s John McGinn though a bid would hinge on what budget remains and whether Villa stay up. Bruce needs bodies in midfield while doubts persist over the futures of Matty and Sean Longstaff who are still to agree new contracts. Matty’s deal runs out this summer while brother Sean has 15 months left.

No fresh talks are understood to have taken place either regarding a month’s extension for 20-year old Matty to cover the revised end of season.

That could yet be left for new owners to pursue if PCP Capital Partners’ takeover concludes imminently.

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