Newcastle still keen on Said El Mala after appearing on two-man shortlist - Report

In a summer of change at St James' Park, Newcastle followed the sale of Anthony Gordon with the signing of two left wingers.

After Liverpool hijacked our move to sign Victor Munoz at the 11th hour, we quickly struck a deal for Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Toure.

Then came Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo on deadline day, although it's becoming increasingly clear that the versatile Belgian is set to play in a central role under Matthias Jaissle.

On that note, another versatile wide man remains on our radar in Said El Mala, as Craig Hope reports.

Said El Mala still one to watch? 

Following tentative links to Newcastle all summer, Cologne star Said El Mala is thought is still on the club's radar.

In his latest piece for The Mail, Craig Hope reports that the German international 'remains on Newcastle's watchlist', despite summer moves for Toure and Fernandez-Pardo.

It's believed that Newcastle's data analysts came back with two names when searching for a suitable Anthony Gordon replacement: Fernandez-Pardo and El Mala.

We already have one, and the other, El Mala, may be available in the new year after remaining at Cologne, despite interest from Brighton and Brentford. 

The 20-year-old can operate down either flank, as a No.9 or an attacking midfielder, while his 6ft 2" frame offers additional appeal, much like Fernandez-Pardo.

He scored in Cologne's opening-day win over Hoffenheim and bagged 13 goals and five assists in all competitions last season.