Newcastle United are keen to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche after conducting further checks on the forward, TBR Football can reveal.
After selling Miguel Almiron back to Atlanta United in the MLS in January, Newcastle are yet to replace the Paraguayan on their right wing.
Eddie Howe was told that he couldn’t spend in January by Newcastle’s owners owing to their PSR considerations.
However, Paul Mitchell and his team are now keen on a deal for 23-year-old Akliouche who’s been starring for Monaco as a number 10 or on the right wing this season.
The France U21 international has scored six goals and provided 10 assists in his 36 appearances for Monaco this term, a campaign that isn’t going unnoticed.
Newcastle keen to sign Maghnes Akliouche after fresh scouting mission
Graeme Bailey, TBR Football chief correspondent, understands that Newcastle were in attendance for France U21’s 5-3 victory over England during the international break.
Akliouche played 83 minutes on the right wing against England and seriously impressed against a host of Premier League talents.
Newcastle have been interested in Akliouche for some time now and their admiration for the winger’s talent has only continued – they’re huge fans of the Monaco man.
Mitchell is one of the driving forces behind the interest and the Frenchman is now under serious consideration for their right-sided role in attack.
Furthermore, it’s understood that Akliouche would be keen to head to St James’ Park too, a crucial aspect of any deal potentially being agreed in the future.
And it should be noted that Newcastle were also present at France’s win over England to check on Villarreal striker Thierno Barry too, a player the club also like.
Maghnes Akliouche has ‘matured’ at Monaco this season
As well as being hailed as a ‘gifted’ individual, Akliouche was also praised by current teammate and former Chelsea man Denis Zakaria at a Monaco press conference recently.
Speaking towards the end of last year, Zakaria spoke about how Akliouche had matured at Monaco this season, a ‘kid’ who was now taking responsibility in the first team.
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Zakaria said: “We see him progressing. He is a different player to the one from the start of last season.
“Before he was a bit of a ‘kid’ but he has matured. In his game, he often makes the right decisions. He is really a very good player.”
An exceptional talent, and one who seems well-positioned to replace Almiron should Newcastle’s interest develop into an approach this summer.
