Newcastle were said to be ready to bid for Caen midfielder Ngolo Kante in late August of 2013, almost two years ago, but nothing came of that.
Ngolo Kante – Caen central midfielder
But Newcastle often go back in for previous targets and Kante is now 24, and there are reports coming out of France that Newcastle have been watching the midfielder with a potential bid coming from the Magpies in the summer.
The player turned 24 only last Saturday, and L’Equipe are reporting there are a number of clubs interested in the player, including Newcastle.
The 5’7″ central midfielder has played well this season for Caen and in 31 appearances he has 3 goals and 4 assists.
During the 2012/2013 season he played with Boulogne in the Championnat National, which is the third tier of French football, and in the summer of 2013 joined second division Caen.
In his first season at Caen they were promoted to the French first division with Kante playing 38 games, and the team finished third to get the promotion.
He has now made 73 total appearances for Caen with 6 goals and 8 assists.
The Paris-born player has never played for any of the French Youth teams or the full side, but he; still attracting interest from a number of clubs with Marseilles probably being the favorite to sign him ion the summer.
The fee is thought to be around £5M, and Newcastle certainly have the money available this summer – some reports say as much as £60M, and we may even spend some of that this summer.
But Newcastle should be motivated to bring in some good players this summer in what looks like a big rebuilding of the squad.
We need to have a big rebuilding of the squad.
And L’Equipe suggest Newcastle are very keen to sign the player, and he could be a replacement for Cheick Tiote, who is almost certainly going to leave Newcastle this summer.
Newcastle should get around £10M for Tiote, and the owner likes to replace former stars with players that cost at most half of the transfer fee, so if we can get Kante in for £5M, the maths would seem to work for Mike Ashley.
😀
We wouldn’t be surprised if we beat Marseilles to signing this player, and get him to Tyneside in the summer, and he’s been watched by Chief Scout Graham Carr over the last two seasons.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
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17 comments so far
Transfer Sage
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:19 AM
Comment #1On previous comments RE McLaren
For me he’s not a great manager. Yes he did very well with Twente, winning the league is never easy even with a good side, still takes a good effort and tactician.
However since then he hasn’t done much, struggled ag Wolfsburg and after a promising start with Derby now has dropped off and back into the pack a bit.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:28 AM
Comment #2I find it strange that I am not really bothered about the derby match -should be – but more bothered on what is going to happen in the close season – going to be a funny old summer of rumours, players in/out manager/in/out
hibbit
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:33 AM
Comment #3charlie we could all drowned in waves of positive pr
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:34 AM
Comment #4hibby
God knows what’s going to happen this summer – famine or feast ?????
Transfer Sage
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:35 AM
Comment #5Charlie
I’m a bit like that too. Obviously want us to win but not even thought about where I’m going to watch it, not been to a game for nearly two years and not even bothered about going out to watch it.
Ashley has just taken all my passion for the following the club out of me.
firebug666
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:37 AM
Comment #6Charlie
Maybe not a famine, defiantly not a feast, I am expecting a controlled diet as per usual.
Plenty are set to leave, and a few will come in, but I suspect most will be youngsters for the development squad.
hibbit
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:44 AM
Comment #7more anorexia when he starves the club to death
optimistic prime
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:44 AM
Comment #8I’ve already read about this lad in a different article this morning, in that article he’s Sissoko’s replacement.
Posted the link from GFFN in a previous thread.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:44 AM
Comment #9firebug666
Here’s one to throw in the ring:
How many of this season players/squad will start the first Premiership (I think we are safe) game next season.
My guess: FIVE
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:51 AM
Comment #10Transfer
agree it’s been the flatest derby build up I can remember.
firebug666
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:55 AM
Comment #11Charlie
Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Haidara
Anita ?????
Cabella, DeJong, Gouffran
Perez
I don’t see the club spending much, (they never do), and I think the players above will still be here next season.
Maybe Darlow in goal for the departed Krul, but Lacelles will most likely be a backup to our permanent CB’s.
I really don’t see the sweeping changes talked about.
beermonkey
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:56 AM
Comment #12Charlie
I reckon janmatt willo colo colback cabella perez goofy
although I don’t think sissoko has done enough to warrant a big move and Sammy might get a new deal not sure so we might still have them2
jayphoto
Apr 2, 2015 at 9:57 AM
Comment #13never seen Caen so i’ve not a clue if this guy is any good. 5″7 looks a bit small for a central midfield player who isn’t particularly creative (going by his stats) all i’m picturing is Vurnon mk11….
Mister Tuff
Apr 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Comment #14We are repeatedly looking in hope to the future, always seems to be the promise of jam tomorrow. However, I think that this close season will define/indicate what the future beholds to a substantial number of fans. People are a bit more knowledgable about football (generally) and the characters involved – the internet allows more knowledge to be available.
Previously we had no idea who Tubbs was when he bought the club, his billionaire status blinded us from reality.
Most were prepared to accept the mañana position of King Percys reign – give him 10 games/see what happens in the next window etc etc.
Toon fans are now aware of what Tubbs is all about – and the knackers he normally employs. The tricks, lies, non transparency, the shenagigans at Rangers are all now known. So it is my position that who is manager/coach in the summer -who is signed player wise will quite easily indicate whether it’s going to be more of the same or whether greater things are planned. So whilst it’s another lets wait and see situation – this time (without the distraction of whether Percy was going to produce something) I think will be the most defining close season.
Jeff from Benwell
Apr 2, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Comment #15I spent some time going around a few football forums and the similarities in the comments sections is striking . Clearly there is a lot of disillusionment out there for many reasons and usually the recipients of this angst are the ownership/coaching staff.
Have a look at this for an alternative
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/football-revolution-as-disillusioned-fans-head-for-the-nonleague-9810932.html
lesh
Apr 2, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Comment #16Feast or famine?
As Lent’s coming to an end, how about Ashley imposing his usual Fast Diet?
(Lent, fast…… geddit! :))
dunedin
Apr 2, 2015 at 10:24 AM
Comment #17Great another midget like Anita