BREAKING: North-East reporters confirm the 'big deal' NUFC are in talks to pull off today
Some hopeful news on the striker front in the last few moments, with it being confirmed by North East reporters Lee Ryder (Chronicle) and George Caulkin (Times) that a move for Leicester's Islam Slimani is the 'big deal' Newcastle officials are aiming to push through for Rafa Benitez today.
The 29-year-old Algerian striker has been talked about throughout the window, however it has recently been mentioned that Leicester were unwilling to do a loan deal with a fellow Premier League side, preferring instead to sell for a fee in the region of £20m.
It has emerged this morning that Slimani is now the 'big deal' NUFC are trying to pull off however, with the striker understood to be keen on the idea of remaining in the Premier League despite talks with Monaco.
Here's all the latest updates on the deals from North-East reporters on the case today:
https://twitter.com/lee_ryder/status/958624670865133568
https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/958626727357505536
https://twitter.com/JacobSteinberg/status/958624321685114881
https://twitter.com/CraigHope_DM/status/958626605093572609
The above makes me wonder if Leicester's stance has changed on a potential loan? It's been mentioned over the last week that they would only sell to a fellow Premier League side, however it seems a 'loan package that appeals to Leicester' could soften their stance and see a deal go through?
Mark Douglas still sees this one as a 'tough deal to do', so with that in mind and West Ham's looming interest it's wise not to get carried away (not that I expect any of you will given how the last few weeks have gone), but it is positive to see a player of his calibre is our top target on a day where a big signing could give us all a much needed boost.
https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/958627052781035520
