Report: Newcastle interested in signing Monaco teenager Benoit Badiashile

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French outlet RMC Sport have claimed that Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Monaco teenager Benoit Badiashile ahead of the summer window, but face competition from Manchester United for the young Frenchman.

Despite his tender age of just 19, Badiashile broke into Monaco’s starting line-up last season and has retained his place in the team this time around – albeit not first choice, but still clocking up 20 appearances in all competitions this term.

With 15 caps for France’s Under-19 side, Badiashile is regarded as one of France’s best up-and-coming defensive talents. The report claims Bayer Leverkusen have “positioned” themselves, and are ready to make Monaco an offer.

However, Newcastle’s soon-to-be owners are also keen, as are Manchester United. The Monaco tribune claimed earlier this season that 6ft 3in Badiashile, who signed a new contract with Monaco in December, is worth around £43million.

TBR’s view – Newcastle would need to sell, to sign a centre-back

The new owners are seemingly keen to strengthen the heart of Newcastle’s defence. Kalidou Koulibaly continues to emerge as a strong option for the Toon, as a move to the Premier League looks more and more likely for the Senegal international.

But Newcastle have plenty of options at centre-back and room needs to be made. Captain Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune are all options – but it is the latter two that may find they are up for sale.

Clark has been on the fringes ever since he joined Newcastle during the promotion-winning campaign of 2016-17, while Lejeune is massively injury prone. Selling those two players, and bringing in Koulibaly and Badiashile, would be stunning business.