Newcastle launch £12.5m bid to sign versatile PSG defender - Report

Another day, another name linked with a potential summer move to St James' Park.

This time it revolves around a possible defensive signing, with reports suggesting Newcastle United have made an opening bid for PSG's Nordi Mukiele.

This comes via Africa Foot, who claim that Newcastle have offered €15m (£12.5m) for the versatile defender, stating that Toon officials have 'begun negotiations' with the Champions League winners over a potential deal.

Mukiele, 27, spent last season on loan with Bundesliga runners-up Bayer Leverkusen. The Frenchman played 24 times in all competitions, making five appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

It remains to be seen if there is any truth in this latest rumour, but his versatility and relatively low price point may appeal to Newcastle, with the former RB Leipzig star able to play at centre-back or right-back.

With Kieran Trippier turning 35 this year and facing an uncertain future, his arrival could offer additional cover in a couple of key positions to help us compete on four fronts next season.

However, it seems we aren't the only club interested and Africa Foot give no indication as to whether £12.5m would be enough to tempt PSG, with Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktas, Everton, Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt also thought to be interested.

The summer window is shut for a few days, pausing until Monday 16th June for the Club World Cup, but it seems like Newcastle have been stepping up their efforts to sign key targets.

Last weekend brought news of Newcastle contacting both Nottingham Forest and Brighton over potential deals for right winger Anthony Elanga and forward Joao Pedro, while a bid for James Trafford appears to be imminent.