Newcastle United

Newcastle United have turned their attention to VfB Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss amid frustrated efforts to sign Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Journalist Hanif Ben Berkane reports that Newcastle have ‘activated the Bilal El Khannouss track in the final days of the window.

He states that Stuttgart want to sell the Moroccan midfielder this summer and the 22-year-old is open to a departure. He would be particularly interested in a move to the Premier League.

Newcastle interest backed up

This information is backed up by journalist Santi Aouna. He reports that Newcastle are exploring the possibility of signing Bilal El Khannouss.

Like Berkane, he reports that Newcastle have turned their attention to the Stuttgart start amid their frustrated efforts to sign Fernandez-Pardo.

The deal for the Lille man is current blocked. That’s due to the French side’s demands. While Newcastle have gone as far as to offer €60m, Lille want €70m for the winger. So, attention has turned to El Khannouss.

There is no mention of what Stuttgart want for the former Leicester man. Nor is it clear how much Newcastle would be willing to pay for him either.

Stuttgart ready to part ways

The forward joined the German club in a permanent deal earlier this summer, for the German club in a permanent deal earlier this summer, for €15m.

That came after a loan spell from Leicester, which initially cost them came after a loan spell from Leicester, which initially cost them €3m.

He impressed for the Bundesliga club last season, with nine goals and seven assists in 42 games in all competitions. That was a clear improvement on his Leicester spell, where he managed three goals and seven assist in 39 games.

Indeed, he was making such an impression that there was even comparisons to Lionel Messi at one point. Now, though, it appears both parties are ready to go their separate ways. Now Newcastle are making enquiries, perhaps as a result.

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