Agent confirms Newcastle talks as Dan Ashworth attempts to pull off another exciting signing
As revealed by Mark Douglas at iNews, Newcastle have made contact with the representatives of Desire Doue; the Stade Rennais sensation attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs.
His agent, former Man Utd centre-back Mikael Silvestre, has confirmed that we've been in touch to sound out what's needed to bring the 18-year-old talent to St James' Park.
Speaking to the i, he said: “I know Newcastle came to watch him and were in touch with us. Like a lot of clubs in Europe when they scout, they come and try and speak to the entourage and get a feeling and try to understand what the situation is.
“It’s not necessarily about the contractual situation but also what’s going on in the life of the player as much as possible before they make a move.”
Since Dan Ashworth's arrival, there has been a huge emphasis placed on recruiting some of the best young talent in the world and Doue certainly fits the bill following recent moves for Garang Kuol and Yankuba Minteh.
The attacking midfielder made 26 appearances for the Ligue 1 side over the past season, along with a further seven in the Europa League. It's believed our sporting director is keen to strike a deal, but faces competition from Barcelona and PSG for the £12m-rated attacker.
His ability to play as a central midfielder, No 10 or a right-winger - positions that Newcastle are looking to sign this summer - makes him a very valuable asset to any club.
The French club are desperate to keep a hold of their talented youngster, who is under contract until 2025, but "no decision" has been made on his future, according to Silverstre:
“It was his breakthrough season, a big season for him. He [was] only 17 and did it going through the Baccalaureat [French academic qualification]. Unlike other players he had to wake up early in the morning to go to school and he managed that well.
“He’s a talented player and attracted big teams from all over Europe but no decision has been made on him. He has exams on 20 June, it’s strange but that’s the life of a 17- or 18-year-old.”
Another one to watch, it seems.
