Newcastle have ‘entered discussions’ with Ligue 1 midfielder – Waiting for Benitez situation to be resolved

With Rafa Benitez’s future currently up in the air, Newcastle fans are still unsure what their transfer window will look like and who will be at the helm next season.

The Spaniard has recently been linked with a move to Marseille, who will be looking for Rudi Garcia’s replacement in the next few weeks, and until a confirmation is given, one way or another, it’s difficult for players to commit to moving to St James’ Park.

This is currently the case of Mehdi Zerkane, currently at Monaco in Ligue 1, as L’Equipe explain the young midfielder has ‘entered discussions’ with Newcastle about a potential transfer to the north of England.

However, the French newspaper state the Magpies are ‘waiting for the naming of their new coach’ to start their transfer window, hinting it might not be Benitez on the bench next season.

That last part could just be L’Equipe jumping to conclusions, but it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on, since the Spaniard’s name is circulating in the south of France.

Two clubs in Ligue 1 are also following the 19-year-old ahead of the summer, whose contract with Monaco is set to expire next month.