Newcastle ready to offer forgotten Chelsea midfielder £31m escape route
Newcastle have launched an approach for a rarely seen Chelsea midfielder, with a £31m fee cited as neccessary to seal the deal.
Amid ongoing speculation over a summer takeover, rumours have been siwrling over who the Magpies could target in the transfer window.
One such player is Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to the French media.
The 25-year-old joined The Blues in 2017, but after just one season in the Capital, has been loaned out two seasons running since.
His latest stint was with former club Monaco, but the French side are reportedly unwilling to turn his temporary move permanent.
With Chelsea boss Lampard already nurturing a fresh crop of youngsters such as Mason Mount and Billy Gilmour, Bakayoko is expected to be available for sale in the summer.
And according to French publication le10sport (via SportLens), Newcastle could be a potential landing spot.
They claim that Newcastle have ‘approached’ Chelsea over the services of Bakayoko.
The player has two years remaining on his current deal, affording Chelsea the leeway to attempt to recoup much of the £40m outlay paid three years ago.
The figure of £31m is cited as being required to secure his signature, though a whole host of rival clubs are credited with interest.
West Ham, AC Milan and Nice are also revealed to be interested along with the Magpies.
Meanwhile, Bayern have reportedly slapped a £54m price tag on a Liverpool target amid plans to scupper Chelsea.
Recent reports claimed Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen on Thiago Alcantara, amid his U-turn over a new contract.
The Spain international has allegedly decided against signing a new deal, despite reaching an agreement in May.
However, while Bayern are yet to receive an offer, Kicker claims they want between £54million and £72million for Thiago.
The midfielder has one year left on his contract and so this summer presents the best opportunity to sell him.