Newcastle United are expected to make a significant push in the final week of the transfer window and could spend up to £100m before trading closes. The Magpies have made an enquiry about Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo while continuing talks with Manchester City over Nico Gonzalez.
Lille playing hardball over Fernandez-Pardo fee
Sporting director Ross Wilson is keen to bring the Belgian international to St James' Park as Newcastle look to finish the window strongly. However, Lille are holding firm on their valuation and demanding £60m for the 21-year-old.
Wilson hopes to complete three incoming deals before the deadline, with Fernandez-Pardo, Nico Gonzalez and left-back cover on his wish-list. Newcastle's Saudi-backed owners have made funds available for the Gonzalez deal at £50m, while additional spending power will be allocated for a forward and a left-back. Nick Pope and Joe Willock, who is wanted by Besiktas, could leave before deadline day.
Manager keen on Belgian international
It is believed that manager Matthias Jaissle likes Fernandez-Pardo, and discussions have taken place, but Lille remain stubborn in their stance. The Belgium international has also attracted interest from RB Leipzig, with a bid of around £34.21m reportedly prompting Newcastle to renew their discussions.
Lille's opening position is that they do not want to sell unless an astronomical bid arrives. As things stand, Newcastle have not reached an agreement for Fernandez-Pardo and continue to work on a deal for Man City's Nico. Fernandez-Pardo is under contract with Lille until 2029 and has expressed a desire for a new challenge in the Premier League or Bundesliga.
Lille chief comments on player's future
Lille transfer chief Sylvain Armand has addressed Fernandez-Pardo's future this summer, saying: "Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player. We’re counting on him. Talking about Mathias leaving isn’t necessarily on the table right now."
The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsenal, while Atletico Madrid are also keen on the Ligue 1 star. The arrival of Gonzalez would boost Newcastle with a week left in the window, but the squad still needs a left-back to cover for Lewis Hall and potentially another forward.
When asked about further trading after the draw with Liverpool, Jaissle said: "Yes. Today the lads were doing amazing. It’s a young squad, unbelievable, but we have some needs. We know that internally, and we keep that also internally." Asked how many players he needs to complete his squad, he replied: "You can count it on one hand, I would say."
