Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba, in a deal that could be worth around £34million. Chronicle Live understands the 20-year-old French midfielder is jetting into Tyneside today after the Magpies thrashed out a deal with the principality club.
Bamba will undergo a medical and iron out the final details of his move with Newcastle adding another midfielder to the ranks after missing out on the signing of Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa.
Fourth summer signing
All being well, Bamba will become the Magpies' fourth signing of the summer and continues the club's clear recruitment plan to sign players of good value with high potential from outside of the Premier League. Bamba will be the fourth player aged 20 and under to make the move to Tyneside this summer following the arrivals of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade Reims, Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim and fellow midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax.
The France under-20 international broke into Monaco's first team last season and made 25 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League.
Midfield options
United had been linked with another Monaco midfielder, Senegal international Lamine Camara, but have opted to turn their attention towards Bamba instead. Bamba largely plays as a number six and would add to Newcastle's midfield options after the departure of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
Newcastle hope to keep Bruno Guimaraes at the club and alongside Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton, the arrivals of Steur and Bamba will strengthen the club's midfield unit. One midfielder who could be leaving the club this summer is Joe Willock. The 26-year-old is in the last year of his contract at St James' Park and Turkish giants Besiktas are keen on his signature.
