Newcastle United are reportedly working on a deadline-day deal for Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi, according to French outlet So Foot News.
The Magpies are admirers of Zabi, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season and, at only 19 years old, is tipped for a bright future. The Ivorian has made 21 appearances across competitions, posting two goals and three assists.
Zabi is one of the most highly admired midfield talents in France and his box-to-box profile seems to have garnered interest from Eddie Howe’s Tyneside giants. There is no word on the fee it would take for the player to arrive at St James’ Park but he is expected to sign a four or five-year deal.
Newcastle Swoop For Zabi
Newcastle are trying to finalise a deal for Zabi on deadline day, and it could see them pay a record-breaking fee for the Ivorian. It’s suggested that this could be a club record sale worth more than the €35 million (£30 million) Paris Saint-Germain paid for Hugo Ekitike.
The plan is for the young central midfielder to remain with Reims for the remainder of the season before joining Howe’s side in the summer. While he is regarded as one for the future, he might also be signed with the intention of breaking into the first team at St James’ Park.
Pee Graves of Sky Sports News highlighted the potential move by revealing that the Tynesiders were “big admirers.” He’s a player many in France have compared to former Manchester United star Paul Pogba because of his ball-playing abilities and physical frame.
Joelinton’s concerning form has raised questions about his place in Howe’s side, with the Brazilian failing to replicate his dominant displays of previous seasons. The 29-year-old is also dealing with an injury at the moment, and a lack of a physical midfield replacement has been obvious.
Newcastle refuted claims on deadline day that Arsenal had made a move for their Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali. He is one of Howe’s most important players, and reports that the Gunners were looking to sign him before the window closed were deemed “rubbish.”
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