Sources: Newcastle on alert for €48m Champions League signing after brutal Real Madrid decision

Ferland Mendy has been told he is not in Real Madrid’s long-term plans and that has alerted a number of Premier League clubs, TEAMtalk understands.

We understand that one of those clubs now taking a close look at Mendy is Newcastle United, who finished fourth in the Premier League this season.

The French left-back has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu in recent months, and the Magpies are considering taking advantage of his situation.

Mendy, 26, joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2019 for a fee of €48 million. He made an instant impact at the club, helping them win the La Liga title in his first season.

However, he has struggled with injuries in recent years, and he has only made 17 starts in La Liga this season. In all competitions, he has played 28 times, but has failed to score and has only provided one assist.

Newcastle are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season and left-back is one area they are looking at.

This season, they have largely relied on Dan Burn in the position, as well as Matt Targett. Further down the pecking order, there are the likes of Paul Dummett (out of contract this month, although Eddie Howe has suggested he could stay on updated terms) and Jamal Lewis. But they are now considering their options there.

Mendy would be a boost to their defence, and he would add a wealth of European experience to the squad.

The 27-year-old has competed in the Champions League in each of the past five seasons, including his final campaign with Lyon. In total, he has played 39 times in UEFA’s top competition, which is more than any of his would-be teammates at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle could give Ferland Mendy first taste of Premier League football

There are only two years remaining on Mendy’s contract in Madrid and his market value has declined since Real bought him. Other sources have suggested a price tag in the region of £17m, but only time will tell what he will actually cost.

Coming to the Premier League for the first time would be a new experience for the former Le Havre product.

Real Madrid are the club he has represented the most during his career, making 133 appearances for them and scoring five goals. He was originally earmarked as a long-term successor to Marcelo there.

Mendy remains the most natural left-back in the Madrid squad, but Eduardo Camavinga (usually a midfielder), David Alaba and Nacho Fernandez (both centre-backs) have also made appearances there this season in the Frenchman’s absence.

There have been claims in Spain that Madrid will be using their buyback option for Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano this summer, who would add to their options at left-back.

In turn, Mendy’s stint there could have reached its conclusion. Now, Newcastle and others will be keeping an eye on how his situation develops.

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