Newcastle United will be invited to bid for summer target Bilal El Khannouss in January after Stuttgart made a decision on the 22-year-old. The Magpies were interested in the Bundesliga star in the last window but opted against a move, and have now been told it will cost around £33.3m to bring him to the Premier League in the winter trading period.
Stuttgart won't stand in the player's way if he wants to leave at the start of 2027. The fee will be supplemented by add-ons, but it may not put off Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray, who have continued to scout him. Liverpool and Leeds United are also keen on the former Leicester City star.
El Khannouss on his future
Speaking earlier this year, the attacking midfielder said: "I'm still young, I'm 22, and I have dreams that I want to keep fighting for until they come true."
"My dreams are to play for the biggest clubs in the world and I will keep working towards them. I think this is the right place to be, to grow as a player and to make the next step."
"When you play in the Champions League or in the Premier League, it's so different. Everyone tries to attack and tries to play beautiful football. I think this is the best environment to be as a young player."
A tough FA Youth Cup draw
In the FA Youth Cup, Chris Moore's side were paired with current holders Manchester City, who won the competition last season by beating Manchester United 2-1 at the Joie Stadium. Man City are also top of the Under-18 Premier League North, six points above the young Magpies, having won all of their opening eight league fixtures and scored 33 goals.
All ties are scheduled to be completed by Saturday, 12th December. Other local interest will see Blyth Spartans play Leicester City or Milton Keynes Dons at home if they get past Stockport County. Newcastle won the competition in 1985 as stars like Paul Gascoigne, Paul Stephenson and Brian Tinnion emerged.
FA Cup date for diary
Attention will turn to December 7 for the FA Cup third round draw, with Newcastle's hopes resting on that competition after Everton beat the Magpies 3-1 in the Carabao Cup on Merseyside.
The draw takes place live on TNT Sports at 6.30pm ahead of Guiseley's clash against Notts County, with third round games taking place on January 9/10.
