Newcastle ‘want’ player this summer – Club’s ‘exceptional’ demand doesn’t scare Howe’s side

Newcastle United have been dragged into the mix to sign AS Monaco’s Benoît Badiashile.

The defender is still with the Ligue 1 side even though he’s been linked with a move away from the club for the past two years.

Newcastle ‘want’ the 21-year-old and have ‘positioned’ themselves to sign him this summer.

That’s according to Media Foot, who explain Monaco want an ‘exceptional offer’ to part ways with the centre-back. The French club have set a €50m asking price for him.

It’s claimed the Magpies have been dreaming big since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund [PIF] took over the club last October, so it’s insisted the €50m price tag is not a concern for Eddie Howe’s side.

Apart from Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen have returned to the picture for Badiashile. They have been keeping tabs on him for a long time, but lack the financial resources.

Earlier today, L’Equipe explained Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the Frenchman.

It feels like the defender’s camp are leaking information to the French media to create hype around Badiashile. If Newcastle and other Premier League sides are genuinely interested in him, then there’s likely to be more on this topic in the coming days.