Report: Newcastle are now closest to signing ‘magnificent’ player who Declan Rice says is so difficult to mark

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are currently the closest side to signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to Media Foot Marseille.

The report suggests that Newcastle are among a number of teams trying to sign the 25-year-old, including Villarreal, who are also keen on his Spurs teammate Gio Lo Celso.

There’s been no shortage of links between Newcastle and midfielders this summer, with James Maddison and Conor Gallagher two players they’ve recently enquired about.

However, Eddie Howe’s side are struggling to get any deals over the line, with clubs demanding large fees and wary of strengthening their Premier League rivals.

Ndombele could therefore offer a good alternative, with Tottenham actively trying to move the player on.

Newcastle are closest to signing Ndombele

The report from Media Foot Marseille believes that Tottenham are looking to recoup around £42m for Ndombele.

The player former manager Jose Mourinho once described as ‘magnificant’ has had a troubled time at Tottenham.

Since joining the club three seasons ago, he’s managed just 62 league appearances and was sent on loan to Olympique Lyonnais in January, with his time at Spurs all but over.

However, he’s clearly a very talented player, and has had previous success in the Premier League.

In an interview with Tubes and Ange Golf Life, West Ham’s Declan Rice described him as ‘incredible’ and said: “Honestly the perception of him (Ndombele) shouldn’t be what it is because I tell you now he’s one of the toughest I played against.”

He could be a brilliant asset for Newcastle if Howe is able to get the best out of him, and would provide exceptional competition for Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Dislodging either Brazilian from the starting line-up might prove difficult, but he could be an upgrade on Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff as the third midfielder in Howe’s system.