Newcastle United will push to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday evening, as they look to add another forward to their squad.
The Magpies want to bring in a player capable of operating in the number 10 role in the coming days, with the Lille forward understood to be their primary target. Fernandez-Pardo is said to be keen on a move to St James' Park, and Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti revealed last week that the Belgian international had been kept away from first-team training until the end of the window while the situation is resolved.
Lille's strong negotiating position
Lille have maintained throughout the summer that they do not want to sell Fernandez-Pardo. Their qualification for this season's Champions League, combined with the £85million sale of Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City, has left the French club in a strong financial position to negotiate.
Newcastle recognise that a deal will be difficult to complete but are prepared to push for the 21-year-old in the next 48 hours. Other clubs have also been linked with the forward, with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and RB Leipzig all cited at various points of the summer.
Ueda arrival could open the door
Any seriously interested party would have taken encouragement from Lille's transfer activity over the weekend. The French side have agreed a deal to sign Japan international forward Ayase Ueda from Feyenoord, a move that could accelerate the process of selling Fernandez-Pardo or at least soften Lille's stance on a potential sale.
Ueda scored 26 goals in all competitions for the Rotterdam club last season and has already netted three times in four appearances this term. His arrival at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy could prove to be the domino that allows movement on Fernandez-Pardo's future, and Newcastle believe they are well placed to act.
Alternative options considered
Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannous is another player of interest and could be an alternative target if Newcastle struggle to secure Fernandez-Pardo. However, Roma's Matias Soule is not a player United have made a move for, despite reports over the weekend.
