Nine days ago, we covered a story from TF1 in France claiming that Newcastle were interested in Saint-Etienne forward Jonathan Bamba.
At the time, the club had just missed out on Nicolas Pépé, who signed for Lille in Ligue 1, and we suggested the 21-year-old was an alternative to the Ivory Coast international, seeing as they play in the same position and provide a similar threat going forward.
Well, on Thursday afternoon, France Football seem to corroborate TF1’s information by also claiming that the Geordies are following Bamba’s situation closely, ‘expressing their interest’ in the player, we assume, to his current club.
With just one year left on his deal with the Ligue 1 side, Saint-Etienne are said to be keen to renew their starlet, but if the player wants to move, this is the perfect time for him to try and force a transfer.
Florian Lejeune aside, Rafael Benitez has yet to make much of an impact in the transfer window this summer, worrying a lot of their fans, especially when you look at the money being spent by the likes of Huddersfield so far.
Bamba’s contract situation would suggest he wouldn’t be all that expensive, and that’s why other clubs like Atalanta and Werder Bremen are also said to be after him.
Strong competition for Newcastle, who might have to flex their financial muscles if they are to see it off.
