‘He’s a very good player’: Tuchel raves about £17m star Newcastle have reportedly moved for

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Reported Newcastle United target Ousmane Dembele has been described by Thomas Tuchel as a “very good player”.

The Magpies have been looking to bolster their ranks this month in pursuit of Premier League safety.

Dembele, whose future at Barcelona is in serious doubt, is reportedly on Newcastle’s radar.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Magpies are hoping to tempt him with an ‘attractive economic proposal’.

Newcastle reportedly see Dembele as the marquee signing that could kickstart their era as a major football power.

The same outlet – via ESPN – claims Barca have offered him to the Magpies and Manchester United for 20m euro, or around £17m.

Barca have told the France international – whose contract expires this summer – they’ll sell him if he does not sign a new deal.

Dembele issued a statement on Thursday, saying he was available for selection and would not give in to blackmail.

Barcelona coach Xavi has reiterated the club’s position on Friday.

He said Dembele has to sign a new deal or they’ll move him on in January.

“The message is clear,” Xavi said. “Ousmane Dembele has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.”

“I am very fortunate to have trained him”

As well as Newcastle, Chelsea have reportedly been eyeing Dembele.

Blues boss Tuchel has worked with the forward before during his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund.

Although he wouldn’t be drawn on talk of a bid, he had positive words about Dembele.

“He’s a very good player, and I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund,” Eurosport quotes Tuchel as saying.

“It was only one year, it should have been longer, but I needed to leave and he decided to leave.

“We are not in close contact. We have met here and there because of his duties for the French national team when I was in Paris. Exchanged some messages.

“I have absolutely no idea why he is in this situation, I don’t know the details, so it’s better not to talk.”