Report: Newcastle battling Patrick Vieira to sign Wolves star; he’ll cost at least £21.5m

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According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are both keen to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait Nouri.

The 20-year-old only joined Wolves last year. Nuno Espirito Santo, when he was at the helm at the Molineux, forked out £9.5 million to sign him from French side Angers. (Athletic)

Ait Nouri, dubbed as a ‘rare talent‘ by his ex-boss Stéphane Moulin, has played 34 times for Wolves in all competitions so far. 10 of those appearances have come this season under Bruno Lage, and it has to be said that he’s improving every game.

Wolves view Ait Nouri as a player who will be a regular for them for years to come. However, interest from other clubs could tempt them to sell him, especially if their demands are met.

Newcastle and Crystal Palace want Wolves defender Rayan Ait Nouri

The report claims that Newcastle and especially Crystal Palace are interested in the young defender, who has almost 18 months of experience in the Premier League under his belt now.

Patrick Vieira is reportedly keen to recruit some competition for Tyrick Mitchell and the Eagles boss has personally named Ait Nouri as the player he wants at Selhurst Park, claims the French outlet.

Ait Nouri’s development over the last year at Wolves has seen his value go up. The report says that Wolves will demand a fee between £21.5 million and £25.7 million for the 20-year-old left-back, who still has over four-and-a-half years left on his contract.

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Newcastle United are expected by many to make a statement in the January transfer window. The risk of relegation is still very high despite Eddie Howe helping his side end their winless run last weekend.

They need all the help they can get, but do they really need another left-back?

The Magpies already have Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis as options at left full-back. They have other areas in need of more help, but the interest in Ait Nouri may just be because Howe wants Ritchie to play further up the pitch.

However, spending over £20 million on a full-back next month when their real problems are in attack doesn’t really make a lot of sense.