Aladji Bamba heading for Newcastle medical after €40m deal agreed

Newcastle United are still hunting for midfield reinforcements after the sale of Sandro Tonali and the increasing likelihood of losing Bruno Guimarães.

Regardless of what happens with Bruno, though, there is potentially set to be at least one other midfield exit before the season gets underway, with Joe Willock in the shop window and Turkish side Besiktas ready to make a move.

The Magpies have still yet to replace Sandro Tonali, even though they have brought in Dutch wonderkid Sean Steur. The 18-year-old isn't seen as someone who is ready for the starting XI just yet, though, so another ready-made player is required.

Judging by the names Newcastle has been linked with so far, it looks as though a defensive-minded midfielder is the priority, which does suggest that Eddie Howe is ready to play with a number six next season.

Aladji Bamba heading to Newcastle for a medical

Now, French outlet RMC Sport has claimed, via Fabrice Hawkins, that Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba is heading to Newcastle.

In a post on X, Hawkins claims that Newcastle have agreed a fee of over €40 million (£34 million) for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder, and Monaco have cleared him to travel to Newcastle for a medical.

"Exclusive - Aladji Bamba is set to sign with Newcastle after an agreement between the English club and Monaco. Transfer for just over 40 million euros, bonuses included. The midfielder has been given permission to travel to undergo his medical and sign a long-term contract with Newcastle."

And just like that ...

It's a name that has pretty much come out of nowhere, but that's how we did it with Sean Steur. Reports appeared in the Netherlands and within 48 hours the transfer was confirmed. We could be in for another quick, surprise signing.

The 20-year-old made 28 appearances for Monaco last season in all competitions and provided three assists. He played mostly as a CDM but made a few appearances as a regular midfielder and even out on the left wing.

His versatility, his age and his profile all suggest that he could be someone that Newcastle are genuinely looking at. We'll have to keep our eyes peeled for developments throughout the next couple of days.

And just as I finish writing that sentence, Luke Edwards confirms the story via X.

Rumour Rating: 7/10 - This one feels fairly solid. 10/10 - It's happening.