Newcastle United are expected to press ahead with their bid to sign Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as they look to strengthen Matthias Jaissle's squad before the season-opener against Liverpool.
Jaissle got his first look at his new players in match action on Saturday night when they came from behind to beat Valencia at the Mestalla. The 2-1 win was helped by the home side being reduced to 10 men in the first half following Jose Gaya's challenge on Anthony Elanga. Jaissle, however, was pleased with the way his side reacted after going a goal down just four minutes into his tenure.
Youthful midfield needs experience
The German coach is keen to add some experience to what is looking like a youthful midfield. Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur both impressed at times at the Mestalla, and United have Lewis Miley still to come back into the squad as he returns from fitness, but the loss of captain Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali has shorn the engine room of two pedigree performers who have played on the international stage.
The interest in Hojbjerg has caused much debate among the Newcastle fanbase, with many questioning whether he's the right man for the club after his performances slipped in his last season or two at Tottenham Hotspur. However, his qualities as a defensive-minded midfielder, along with his leadership skills - he is captain of both Marseille and Denmark - appeal to Jaissle, who has identified the 31-year-old as someone he feels could mentor and help Newcastle's young stars.
Talks expected in next 48 hours
Sporting director Ross Wilson is believed to be keen to give the new manager his support, and United will press on with talks with Marseille over the next 48 hours. Hojbjerg's agent Luca Puccinelli has left the door open for a potential move, saying: "Pierre is a proud Olympique de Marseille player. He is working hard and staying focused every day. About the future we will see."
There has been talk of AC Milan being interested in Hojbjerg who played for Marseille on Sunday in a 3-1 win over Athletic Club.
Other targets in frame
However, the Dane is not the only midfielder being eyed by Newcastle, with other names in the frame. One is Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The 31-year-old fits a similar bill to Hojbjerg in terms of age, position and experience but is close to a move to Aston Villa.
Should Hojbjerg join, his fee - which would be around £12.5million - would allow Wilson to go into the market for another more attacking playmaker. Real Sociedad star Luka Sucic remains on the radar, having played under Jaissle in the past, but Felix Nmecha and Victor Froholdt have both been ruled out at this stage.
Newcastle will look to add a full-back and winger to the squad before the transfer window closes, though there is the expectation that their business could go deep into the trading window, possibly down to deadline day itself.
There will be outgoings too, with goalkeeper Nick Pope set to leave this month while midfielder Joe Willock remains a target for Turkish side Besiktas.
