In search of offensive reinforcement for several weeks, Newcastle had made Matias Fernandez-Pardo one of its priority targets for the end of the transfer window. The Magpies even took concrete action for the Belgian winger, with a final proposal of 60 million arriving on the LOSC desk. But Lille, which has just completed a record operation with the departure of Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for €100 million, is particularly demanding for its other young talent and wants at least 70 million.
The Fernandez-Pardo file, blocked for the moment, pushes Newcastle to activate another avenue already known to its leaders. According to our information, the Magpies are now thinking of Bilal El Khannouss, whom they had already observed at the start of the transfer window. The Moroccan attacking midfielder is still popular across the Channel and could represent a credible alternative for the English management who believe that he perfectly matches the coach’s demands and that he also already knows the Premier League.
Stuttgart pushes El Khannouss towards the exit
For El Khannouss, the situation has evolved in recent weeks. As we revealed to you, Galatasaray had made an offer of €22 million excluding bonus for the player, but Stuttgart refused it, the German club hoping to obtain a significantly higher sum for its jewel. The Moroccan has in fact become his highest market value and Stuttgart, which must fill its coffers before the transfer window closes, has been pushing for several weeks to find a solution and make him leave despite the sporting loss that this would entail.
Long keen to continue his adventure in Germany, particularly with the prospect of playing in the Champions League, El Khannouss is no longer closed to a departure. Stuttgart’s insistence has changed his position and a destination in the Premier League could particularly appeal to him. Newcastle could therefore take advantage of this situation to take action in the coming days, with the idea of making the Moroccan its plan B in the event of definitive failure in the Fernandez-Pardo file.
