With a lack of serious depth at centre-back since Rafa Benitez refuses to use Chancel Mbemba, who could be on his way out, perhaps a summer purchase or two to bolster the defence wouldn’t go amiss.
It was reported on Wednesday that Newcastle had sent scouts to watch Bordeaux-Toulouse last weekend where they could have kept an eye on Issa Diop, but, according to Le10 Sport, there could be another Ligue 1 defender on their list.
That man is Troyes’ Christophe Herelle, who has attracted quite the following this season, with the likes of OGC Nice and Saint-Etienne also interested.
While the vast majority of the article focuses on the French clubs, Le10 don’t forget to throw in a little Premier League competition at the end, claiming Newcastle have ‘only just arrived on the scene’, describing them as ‘dangerous and solid’ competition for the Ligue 1 sides.
Hérelle has been close to ever-present in Troyes’ return to France’s top-tier, featuring 33 times from a possible 37, but has been unable to help them stay clear of the relegation zone, as they currently sit 19th, one point behind 18th with just the one game left to play (at home against Monaco).
