Report: Newcastle interested in £40m Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi

By Jordan Harris

Newcastle United are one of the sides interested in signing Morocco revelation Azzedine Ounahi, according to a report from 90min, with the youngster proving to be one of the stars of the World Cup.

Ounahi is one of the players who has launched himself during the tournament in Qatar. The 22-year-old has been superb for Morocco on their way to the semi-final, where France stand between them and a showdown with Argentina on Sunday.

He has been excellent for Angers for much of the season. As shown by FBRef, few midfielders in Europe complete more dribbles or have more shots per game than the youngster.

Newcastle interested in Ounahi

And it appears that his performances at the World Cup may now spark a bidding war for his signature.

90min reports that Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus are all admirers of Ounahi. But there is also a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing him.

Newcastle, West Ham, Southampton and Wolves want Ounahi. Meanwhile, Leicester City are weighing up making a bid for the midfielder in January.

L’Equipe reported on Wednesday that the Foxes could make a £40 million bid for Ounahi. So that provides an idea of what Newcastle may have to be prepared to do if they hope to sign him.

Certainly, plenty of Magpies fans would be delighted if they made a move for Ounahi next month. Newcastle have got little wrong in the market under their new owners. So it would say something if they did make a move.

José Mourinho suggested he had been ‘absolutely incredible‘ in Qatar (Goal). And the amount of interest tells its own story about his potential.

But of course, Newcastle have the means to compete with almost anyone if a bidding war begins.